In a move that has set tongues wagging across the nation, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has boldly proclaimed his readiness,and, in his own words, “overqualification”,to lead Nigeria as president. The governor, speaking to a handpicked group of journalists in Ibadan, didn’t hold back as he touted his political and professional credentials, fueling rampant speculation about his 2027 presidential ambitions.

Makinde, never one to shy away from the spotlight, made his intentions crystal clear: “To serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified , I’m even overqualified.” Drawing a direct comparison to President Bola Tinubu, Makinde pointed out that both men share the distinction of being two-term governors of major states. “I ran Oyo State, even the current president , what brought him to the table? He was governor of Lagos State for two terms. By the end of May 2027, by God’s grace and God sparing my life, I will have completed the full tenure as a two-term governor of Oyo State,” he boasted.

But Makinde didn’t stop at politics. He made sure to remind everyone of his business acumen, claiming he was already running a company at 29 while his peers were “still finishing their youth service.” He rattled off big names like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, insisting that his professional journey sets him apart from the political crowd. “I did not go to NNPC or the likes. I was working for multinational oil companies,” he said, clearly eager to distance himself from the usual political playbook.

Despite his grandstanding, Makinde attempted to play coy about his presidential plans, insisting it’s “premature” to make any official announcements about 2027. He paid lip service to the importance of governance and the needs of the people, but the subtext was clear: Makinde wants the top job, and he wants everyone to know it.

In a performative nod to Nigeria’s struggling democracy, Makinde also took a swipe at the wave of defections to the ruling APC, warning that such moves could undermine the country’s political foundations. “Governors are defecting from one party to the other, but have hunger and anger in the land also defected?” he quipped, in a soundbite clearly designed for headlines rather than substance.

Makinde’s self-promotion has not gone unnoticed, with political observers and social media commentators buzzing about his growing national profile. As he positions himself as the man with the experience and vision to “fix” Nigeria, critics are quick to point out the performative nature of his declarations and the lack of concrete solutions offered.