2027: Makinde’s Presidential Ambition A Distraction, Escape Route From Justice — Oyo APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition as a distraction and an alleged escape route from justice over what the party claimed were several cases of graft and abuse of office hanging over the governor.

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Makinde, who is serving his second and final term as governor of Oyo State, is the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued at the weekend and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the Oyo APC accused Makinde of allegedly squandering state resources on political activities as part of efforts to promote his presidential ambition.

The party also faulted the reported declaration of Monday, September 21, as a public holiday in the state to promote a musical concert organised for youths in Ibadan, describing it as an alleged abuse of office.

“Many political watchers have been wondering how an accidental governor like Seyi Makinde would dream of becoming president at a time when a master of the game has his hands on the lever,” the party said.

It added that some political pundits had described Makinde’s ambition as lacking substance, strategy and seriousness.

The APC further alleged that the governor’s presidential project was aimed at distracting anti-graft agencies investigating him and creating an escape route from the country before May 29, 2027.

“Makinde is only out to hoodwink Nigerians, distract the anti-graft agencies which are on his cases and also secure an escape route from the country anytime from January 1, 2027,” the party alleged.

The party listed alleged false asset declaration, diversion of local government funds, contract sum variation, money laundering, land grabbing, sponsorship of violence, illegal sale of government properties, fraudulent loans, contempt of court and disobedience to court orders among the issues it claimed should not be swept under the carpet.

It said the governor and other individuals allegedly linked to the cases would have to answer questions if the allegations were established, adding that this was why, according to the party, they were seeking an escape route before the end of his tenure.

The APC also criticised Makinde’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APM, claiming that he had hijacked the latter’s presidential ticket after allegedly playing a role in the PDP’s decline.

“How then can Makinde contest and win presidential election in the country under the unpopular political party?” the party queried.