Sir: Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has, in recent times, made headlines for what many political observers consider his budding ambition to contest for the presidency in 2027 general elections. Though still speculative, a closer analysis of his track record, political strategy, and the broader national context reveals that his presidential ambition may be doomed from the start, or as some political pundits argue, “dead on arrival.”
Makinde’s foray into presidential politics raises questions about his readiness and credibility to lead a country as complex and diverse as Nigeria. While ambition is not inherently negative, his approach seems to prioritize personal political advancement over the public good. His tenure as the governor of Oyo State has been marred by controversies, governance deficits, and accusations of self-serving behaviour, which, if unresolved, may severely undermine any hope of national political success.
One of the most glaring weaknesses in Makinde’s presidential bid is the state of governance in Oyo State under his leadership. Despite his initial popularity upon assuming office in 2019, Makinde’s administration has failed to live up to expectations. Accusations of neglecting key areas of governance, such as healthcare, education, and food security, have become common refrains from critics and constituents alike. Makinde’s penchant for investing in high-profile projects has raised concerns about the sustainability of his policies and their impact on the common people.
The governor’s recent actions—such as his establishment of the PDP Southwest headquarters in Ibadan—point to a man more focused on consolidating power and positioning himself for higher office than on addressing the concerns of his constituents. His efforts to secure a pliable successor in Oyo State are similarly viewed as an attempt to protect himself from accountability once his governorship ends.
This pursuit of self-preservation is not lost on the Nigerian electorate, many of whom are growing weary of politicians who seek personal gain at the expense of the public good. Makinde’s disregard for the needs of Oyo State while chasing after national relevance is seen as a symptom of the broader problem of political opportunism that has long plagued Nigeria. His lack of focus on governance raises serious doubts about his motivations and whether he is truly capable of leading Nigeria.
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Another factor that renders Makinde’s presidential ambition dead on arrival is his antiparty activities in the 2023 presidential election and his contribution to the fractures within his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Makinde’s anti-party activities have left him isolated, with many within the PDP viewing him as an opportunist who is willing to sacrifice party loyalty for personal gain. This internal division will likely come back to haunt him if he seeks the party’s nomination for the presidency in 2027.
Complicating matters further is the fact that President Bola Tinubu, also from the Southwest, will still be a major force in Nigerian politics come 2027. Makinde, who also hails from the same geopolitical zone, will face the formidable challenge of convincing voters and party leaders that he, rather than Tinubu’s APC machinery, deserves their support. With Tinubu’s established political network and influence in the Southwest, Makinde’s chances of rallying the region behind him appear slim.
Moreover, the political landscape in Nigeria is such that regional support plays a critical role in any successful presidential campaign. Makinde’s strained relationships with other regional power brokers and his inconsistent party loyalty mean that he lacks the political alliances needed to mount a credible challenge on a national scale. His ambition to compete against Tinubu for influence in the Southwest, while also courting support from other regions, appears to be an uphill battle.
Nigeria’s political landscape is increasingly complex, and the country’s challenges require leaders who can navigate these complexities with a clear vision, competence, and a commitment to public service. Unfortunately for Makinde, his track record suggests that his ambition is driven more by quest for personal gain than by a genuine desire to lead Nigeria toward a better future. His presidential aspiration is, by all accounts, dead on arrival.
