Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence in his ability to lead Nigeria as president. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Makinde stated, “I have no doubt in my capacity to occupy the highest office in this land. I have what it takes.” With his tenure set to end in 2027, Makinde is seen as a potential contender for the PDP’s presidential ticket, especially as the party considers presenting a southern candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu. However, Makinde emphasized that the 2027 general election would be a battle between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than just between APC and PDP. He also stressed the need for internal party reforms before anyone can aspire for higher office. “The PDP must fix itself before anyone can aspire to be anything,” he noted, referencing ongoing internal disputes within the party. Despite being considered a possible presidential hopeful, Makinde refrained from confirming any interest in running. “If my political journey ends here, I am also content,” he said. This comes amid tensions within the PDP, as the party's governors on Monday dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s push for a coalition, rejecting any merger plans. Makinde commented that while individuals may choose to align with coalitions, the party’s official stance is different. “Your house (the PDP) must be in order before you invite others,” he said. Makinde did not however confirm if he was interested in the office of the president of Nigeria. He said, “Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself.” “People can say whatever they want to say (but) right now, I am focusing on what Oyo State people have given to me; the task ahead of us. “So, I am not distracted. I will not play stunt politics; I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears. No, I will stay focused to ensure that we bring dividends of democracy to our people, look after them, and also build infrastructure that will lead our people well into the future. That is not consistent with whether somebody is going to go to the federal level or whether people are saying I must contest. If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time. “One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”