Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has responded to speculation about a possible run for president in 2027, saying he will decide the direction of his political future alone.
Referring to recent allegations that the ruling party is interfering with other political groups to suppress the opposition, Mr. Makinde said he disagreed with such accusations and urged opposition leaders to seek support within the country to strengthen Nigeria. He urged them to focus on unity and cooperation.
He stressed that the upcoming elections will be a contest between the ruling party and the people of Nigeria.
Makinde made the remarks at the inauguration of the newly established Olusoji Adagunodo South West Regional Secretariat. The event was attended by the Acting PDP National Chairman, Mr. Umar Iliya Damagumu, Osun State Governor, Mr. Ademola Adeleke, former Governors Mr. Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), the National Working Committee of the Party members and other community leaders attended.
Mr Makinde said: “What they usually say is not how long it was, but how well it worked. Although I was not able to be with him, he had a huge impact on politics in South West Nigeria.My brother, Governor Adeleke, I would like to thank you for being here today.
“We had a problem. We were fighting against ourselves especially for the control of Zonal Excos. My dear brother, Governor Adeleke, thank you for joining us in this operation. It shows your generosity, which means that everything that happened in the past remains in the past.
“Dr. Eddy Olafeso is here. We fought. That is the spirit of PDP. I also want to pay special tribute to my brother, His Excellency Agboola Ajayi, the next Governor of Ondo State.
“This time, two weeks from today, the people of Ondo State are in the process of electing him as the next governor of Ondo State. He will prove to be the next governor.
“For those who think the only way to achieve their dreams is to split within the PDP, South West Nigeria is leading the way.My brother Adebutu, you too will have your day someday. As I said before, when you look at Nigeria, if the South West is united, Nigeria will be united.
“Two PDP governors from the South-West are here. All our leaders are here. They are coming here from outside the South-West as well.
“Governor Ikpeazu of the South-East, thank you for recognizing us. Governor Ortom of the North-Central is here. Thank you for recognizing us.
“I only have one message, one thing to say. Yes, we did this to remember our brother, His Highness Adagnodo Souji. I want to know the truth about your state. I just want to make him a legend. Your wish has come true today.
“I just want to make an announcement. Also, Soji Adagunodo Jr., you will receive a letter as a special advisor to me on regional integration. I would also like to thank Governor Adeleke for lending him to me.”
He added: “People have complained, people have talked, and a lot of changes have been made. Let me say it again, I say it myself: No one sets the agenda for me but me.
“They are also in talks with the ruling party, all the political parties. Let me just say this: If you want the ruling party to not unite the minds of the other parties so that there will be no opposition in 2027, If you’re accusing them of meddling with other political parties, my own position is this: There are certain things that are under your own control.
“Whether me and Governor Adeleke will work together for the growth and benefit of our party in the South-West state is beyond the ruling party. It is a matter between me and Governor Adeleke. Let’s all work together. Unite our base. That’s all we have to do.
“The next election is going to be APC vs. Nigerians. It’s not even about APC vs. PDP. So, we must unite our party, unite our base, and make sure that we ourselves are working to unite our party, unite our base, and give Nigerians a voice.” Let’s make an effort.”
The secretariat is personally funded by Governor Makinde and is dedicated to former South West PDP Chairman, late Olusoji Adagunode.
After Adagunod’s death, Makinde promised to build a monument in his honor.
During the event, he also announced the appointment of Mr. Adagnodo’s son as Special Adviser on Regional Integration.
