WorldStage– Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he possesses more than enough credentials to lead Nigeria, describing himself as “overqualified” for the nation’s top job amid mounting speculation about his presidential ambitions.
Makinde made the assertion on Tuesday during a media parley in Ibadan, where he cited his governance record and professional background as proof of his readiness for national leadership.
According to him, experience remains a critical benchmark for leadership at the federal level, noting that his tenure as governor mirrors the pathway taken by previous presidents.
“Let me make this very clear: to serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified — I’m even overqualified,” Makinde said.
“I have governed Oyo State, and by the end of May 2027, by God’s grace, I will have completed my second term as governor.”
The governor also drew attention to his private sector pedigree, explaining that he ventured into business at a young age and built a career without reliance on government patronage.
He said he ran a company in his twenties and worked with multinational oil firms such as Shell, ExxonMobil and Chevron, stressing that his success was driven by competence rather than political connections.
Despite his confident declaration, Makinde maintained that it was still premature to make definitive statements about the 2027 presidential race.
He, however, used the platform to question the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the mass defection of politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress was unhealthy for democratic growth.
Makinde argued that Nigerians were more concerned about economic hardship than political realignments, asking pointedly whether hunger and public frustration had also “defected” alongside politicians.
He concluded that the country needed a strong opposition and issue-based politics, rather than a democracy weakened by opportunistic defections.
