Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will not run for president in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose said Makinde personally told him he would not be used against President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle.
“I saw an advert on social media suggesting Makinde was running. Out of respect, I sent it to him. He called me back and made it clear he’s not running and knows nothing about the flier,” Fayose said. “He hasn’t told me otherwise since then. As a brother, I believe him.”
Fayose added that Makinde had expressed a commitment not to work against a fellow Yoruba man. “He told me he won’t be used against President Tinubu. Unless something changes, I can confidently say Governor Makinde is not in the race for 2027,” he said.
Commenting on national politics, Fayose argued that Tinubu should be allowed to complete a second term, describing the current presidency as the rightful turn of the South.
“It is better to allow Asiwaju finish his tenure. This is the South’s slot. Let him fix the country, then power can return to the North,” he said. “The problems didn’t start today and won’t end today. Everyone is just trying to make things better.”
Fayose also questioned the viability of any opposition to Tinubu in 2027, especially with the state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“With the PDP in disarray, where is the organised opposition to confront Tinubu?” he asked. “Even if you argue whether he’s doing well or not, where is the party that can challenge him?”
He continued: “Many governors are simply fighting for survival—and that’s normal. Those of us who openly support Asiwaju have done so because we’re being realistic. The system is flawed, but if you compare today with the past, Tinubu still holds an edge.”
Fayose insisted no leader is perfect and urged critics to acknowledge the complexities of governance, especially under a troubled system.
