Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared that he remains resolute in his bid for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, saying he entered the race to offer Nigerians a credible alternative and not to negotiate or step down for another candidate.
The governor made the declaration while addressing residents of the state, during which he also expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo for their patience and resilience throughout the weeks that pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities were held captive.
Makinde assured residents that his administration is taking decisive steps to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, particularly those bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
According to him, the government is enhancing security presence, improving community intelligence gathering and reviewing protection measures for schools and other vulnerable communities. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies or through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
Speaking on the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan in the suit filed by the Oyo State Government against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makinde described the ruling as a triumph of the rule of law rather than a victory over the anti-graft agency.
He recalled that following an interview on Channels Television in April 2025, where he stated that he had the capacity to occupy Nigeria’s highest political office if Nigerians desired it, political reactions followed. He noted that shortly after the All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election, the EFCC requested extensive records of Oyo State government contracts and payments dating back to 2021.
The governor explained that while his administration was willing to cooperate with the commission, it requested specific details of the contractors, companies or transactions under investigation, but the EFCC failed to provide the information.
Makinde said the state consequently approached the court, not to obstruct a lawful investigation, but to seek judicial clarification on whether an investigative agency could lawfully demand years of government records without identifying a specific allegation.
According to the governor, the court, presided over by Justice Nkeonye Maha, affirmed the EFCC’s constitutional powers to investigate financial crimes but held that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the law.
He noted that the court described the commission’s request as speculative and a “fishing expedition,” ruling that demands for information must be tied to specific allegations and conducted reasonably.
Makinde said the judgment reinforces the principle that accountability should be evidence-based and that no institution, regardless of its powers, should operate outside constitutional limits.
“This judgment is not a victory against the EFCC; it is a victory for the rule of law and a reminder that even powerful institutions must act within legal boundaries,” he said.
Addressing growing speculation surrounding his 2027 presidential ambition, the governor dismissed claims that he would eventually withdraw from the race in favour of another aspirant.
“I did not step forward in order to step down. I am going forward,” Makinde declared.
He maintained that Nigeria deserves institutions that uphold justice above political interests, an economy that rewards hard work, safer communities and leaders committed to defending the public interest.
The governor said although the ruling party possesses enormous political machinery, history has shown that no political establishment is invincible when citizens decide to embrace change.
Citing his administration’s achievements in Oyo State, Makinde said the state has demonstrated that practical, people-centred governance is possible, adding that his presidential aspiration is aimed at giving Nigerians a credible choice in 2027.
“We have chosen to stand our ground, and we are going forward,” the governor concluded.
