By Ayodele Oni
Following speculation of his possible stepping down from 2027 presidential race Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has vowed that there was no cause for that.
Makinde declared that “Since I formally entered the presidential race, I have heard the speculation. Some say I am merely positioning myself for negotiations. Others say that when the time comes, I will step down for another candidate.
“Let me be clear, I did not step forward in order to step down. I am going forward. I am going forward because Nigerians deserve better.
“Nigerians deserve institutions that serve the law rather than political interests. They deserve an economy that rewards hard work, communities in which they can live without fear of abduction and leaders who will defend the public interest even when doing so is inconvenient.”
The governor, who said this in his bi-monthly newsletter, added that he will not step down for any presidential candidate in the 2027 election because “Nigerians deserve better.”
Continuing, he said, “I understand the scale of the political forces gathered on the other side. Some will look at the machinery of the ruling party and conclude that the outcome has already been decided.
“But I have been counted out before. Oyo state has shown that practical, people-centred governance is possible. We do not claim to have solved every problem, but we have demonstrated that there is another way to govern.”
Makinde used the newsletter to speak directly to the recent judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which involved the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and his administration.
He explained that the state government went to court after the EFCC requested records covering all government contracts and contractor payments from 2021, without pointing to any specific transaction or naming a particular allegation under investigation.
Faced with what the governor described as a broad and undefined demand, the administration sought judicial guidance on how to respond lawfully.
According to Makinde, the court confirmed that the EFCC holds the constitutional authority to investigate financial crimes, but ruled that this authority must be exercised within the limits set by law.
“This was not a victory against the EFCC but a victory for the rule of law and due process,” Makinde said, adding that his government had never resisted legitimate investigations.
He stressed, however, that accountability must be grounded in evidence and carried out in line with constitutional provisions.
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