Makinde’s Gateman Knows He Can’t Be President… — Akin Alabi

The lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency, Hon. Akin Alabi, has described Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition as “political theatrics,” saying the governor knows he cannot become president.

Alabi stated this during a radio programme on Flier 103.3FM in Ibadan, where he questioned the seriousness of Makinde’s reported ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, Makinde’s aspiration is aimed at keeping himself in the political conversation and on the ballot rather than pursuing the presidency as a serious project.

“His gateman knows he can’t do president, don’t let us deceive ourselves. His aspiration is like comedy. We all know he has no plan to be president. Even his gateman knows. He is only using it for political theatrics,” Alabi said.

The lawmaker alleged that Makinde’s interest in the presidential race was also connected to the political calculations surrounding the candidacy of Bimbo Adekanmbi.

He said Makinde was seeking to remain in the presidential conversation because he believed Adekanmbi could not independently withstand the political contest if he were presented alongside other candidates.

“He only wishes to be in the conversation and ballot because he knows Bimbo Adekanmbi can’t stand alone,” Alabi said.

Alabi, however, noted that the decision to field candidates remained part of the democratic process, saying every political party was entitled to present its candidate for the election.

“This is democracy. Every party can have their candidates. The people will decide if they want continuity or controversy,” he said.

He further claimed that Makinde’s presidential bid was intended to provide political support for Adekanmbi, arguing that the governor was aware of the challenges the latter could face if he contested alone.

“Makinde knows Bimbo cannot stand alone. He knows if we present Adekanmbi and present Alli, he knows reasonable people won’t vote Bimbo if he stands alone, so he is contesting to stand by and support him,” Alabi said.