The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said Governor Seyi Makinde does not have the political strength to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, accusing him of using state resources to support his presidential ambition.
The party made its position known in a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 election.
Makinde is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and has continued to express his intention to seek the presidency after completing his second term as Oyo governor in May 2027.
The Oyo APC described the governor’s presidential bid as politically weak and accused him of pursuing an ambition that, in its view, lacks the structure and nationwide support required to compete successfully against Tinubu.
The party also alleged that public funds from Oyo State were being spent on activities connected to Makinde’s presidential campaign. It warned that those responsible for any misuse of government resources would be required to account for the money at the appropriate time.
The APC’s reaction followed comments by Makinde on Saturday after he was installed as the Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola. The ceremony took place during the monarch’s first coronation anniversary in Eruwa, the headquarters of Ibarapa East Local Government Area.
During the event, Makinde spoke about life after leaving office in May 2027 and also called on traditional rulers and other institutions to remain neutral as political activities increase ahead of the general election.
The Oyo APC, however, accused the governor of attempting to intimidate residents and traditional leaders who receive APC politicians and supporters in their palaces or places of worship. The party urged him to allow citizens and community leaders to engage freely with politicians from different parties.
Sadare further argued that Makinde lacked the personal qualities, experience and political strategy needed to become Nigeria’s president. The party also questioned the ability of the APM to provide the nationwide political structure required for a presidential campaign.
According to the Oyo APC, the governor may be able to place campaign materials in some parts of Oyo and Bauchi states, but it predicted that his performance in the presidential election would be poor if he eventually appears on the ballot.
The party also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances of securing another term in office in 2027. It claimed that many Nigerians and influential figures would support the President and suggested that political attention could later move towards the North after the 2027 election.
The APC said it would continue to monitor Makinde’s political activities as the election approaches and repeated its allegation that public resources were being used for his presidential ambition.
The allegation of misuse of state funds remains the position of the Oyo APC, and the party did not provide specific figures or evidence of the alleged spending in its statement.
Makinde’s presidential bid has added another major contender to the growing field of politicians seeking to replace Tinubu or challenge his bid for another term in 2027.