RismadarVoice Reporters, June 1, 2026
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply dismissed the presidential ambition of Governor Seyi Makinde, declaring it “dead on arrival” and accusing the governor of neglecting his duties to the state in pursuit of personal political goals.
The opposition party’s remarks came through a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, released on Sunday, one day after Makinde formally accepted the presidential ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) at a ceremony held in Ibadan.
The APM event, which drew significant political attention, saw the party’s flag presented to the governor, effectively positioning him as a leading challenger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a pointed rebuke, the APC argued that Makinde has failed to meet the expectations of Oyo residents across his seven years in office, and questioned how a governor with an unfinished mandate could credibly seek the nation’s highest office.
“Certainly, Gov. Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival,” the statement read, “but our fear is about the amount of losses, deprivation and wastefulness which the good people of the state would be subjected to in the next one year under his leadership.”
The party further called on the governor to focus on pressing state challenges rather than mounting a national campaign, noting that his position as governor gives him the authority and tools necessary to address Oyo’s problems directly.
Striking a more personal tone, the APC questioned Makinde’s character as a leader. “The people of Oyo State deserve a team player, a sincere and humble person as their governor,” the statement added, “and since Makinde has failed to demonstrate these qualities in the last seven years, he should just apologise and quit the state.”
There was no immediate response from Governor Makinde’s office or the APM regarding the APC’s criticism.
