Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has firmly dismissed speculations surrounding his possible presidential ambition, stating that he will personally announce any such intentions if they arise.
His remark followed speculation that he may be already in planning stage for a possible push for the presidency in 2027 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
But speaking at the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo town with PDP correspondents after their three-day retreat in the state, he emphasized that no one can force an agenda upon him.
According him, he did not do what he has achieved in the state because of personal ambition.
“We didn’t do this because somebody has a presidential ambition,” he said.
“But I am old enough, and if I want to do something, I will come out and say, ‘This is what I want to do.’ Nobody can push my agenda.”
Makinde reflected on his political journey, stressing the importance of a multiparty democracy in Nigeria, warning that Nigeria must not be allowed to fall into a one-party state.
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He said, “Oyo people made a decision in 2019 without any godfather backing. We came in with no experience in governance, but we’ve made progress. The one takeaway from this is that Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state.”
Governor Makinde emphasized the need for strong institutions that guarantee good governance, regardless of the administration in power, and encouraged journalists to continue shaping public opinion based on the state’s developmental strides.
The governor outlined various infrastructural and agricultural projects his administration has embarked on, aimed at boosting the state’s economy and reviving historical ventures that once thrived in Oyo.
The Fashola Agribusiness Hub, originally conceptualized during Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s era, was one such initiative.
Makinde described how the estate, previously used for cattle breeding, had fallen into neglect but was now being rejuvenated as part of the state’s efforts to tap into agro-tourism and agricultural productivity.
“The people who started this built Cocoa House, the first skyscraper south of the Sahara. But since then, we’ve not built another one.
“In contrast, countries like Israel have built thousands of skyscrapers. We need to bring back the spirit of innovation and productivity,” he noted.
Makinde also highlighted the construction of major roads that link different zones in the state, including the 34-kilometer road connecting Oyo Zone to Oke Ogun and the 76.6-kilometer road linking Iseyin to Ogbomoso.
These projects, despite being on federal land, were carried out by the state government with the goal of expanding Oyo’s agro-industrial capacity and ensuring smoother transportation for goods like cassava, which is widely farmed in the region.
He underscored the need for Oyo State to focus on productivity rather than dependence on federal allocations.
“We know that the way to fix this country is to be productive. It’s not about waiting for federal allocation.
“Those who built the foundation of this state generated their own resources, and we have enough to do the same.”
Makinde also mentioned the creation of Amotekun, the state’s security outfit, and the forthcoming graduation of forest rangers to bolster the fight against banditry.
Additionally, his administration has set up an anti-corruption agency and a rule of law enforcement authority to address issues such as traffic violations that threaten tourism and public order.
