Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has debunked claims that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is nursing a presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Appearing on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Fayose revealed that Makinde personally denied knowledge of campaign flyers circulating online suggesting his interest in the presidency.
“Let me say to you,” Fayose said, “when I saw the advert running on social media, with all due respect to Governor Makinde, I forwarded it to him, and he called me. He said he is not running and that he doesn’t know anything about those flyers. He said it was some guys, some boys flying it. He has not told me otherwise.”
Fayose stressed that he trusts Makinde’s word on the matter, saying, “I will not put words in his mouth. I would rather believe whatever he tells me as a brother.”
The former Ekiti governor further quoted Makinde as saying, “He’s not going to be the person that will be used against a Yoruba man as president.”
“As of today, from what he told me, he will not [run], unless anything changes,” Fayose added.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political past and voter sentiments, Fayose noted, “People said Falae would have done better. Obasanjo did eight years and left. Yar’Adua came and they said he was an angel. He passed, and we had Jonathan. Everybody said Jonathan must go. We will not agree.”
“An angel is coming. That angel was Buhari. Did he do well? I’m not going to answer yes or no. But there’s no day you will satisfy people of this country or any country at all. That is life,” he said.
Fayose also emphasized the transient nature of power and legacy, stating, “You own nothing. Your wife is not your own; she is your wife until you pass… Today, you are honourable until you leave.”
He concluded with a call for continuity in the current administration, urging that President Bola Tinubu be allowed to complete his term.
“It is best to allow Asiwaju to conclude his tenure because this is a southern slot,” Fayose declared.
