Udom Emmanuel says Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has not informed him of any 2027 presidential bid, calling speculation a tool for political blackmail

Abuja, Nigeria — Former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel has stated that he is unaware of any intention by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to run for the presidency in 2027.

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Speaking to journalists at an event in Abuja, Emmanuel responded to questions about whether he would support Makinde’s rumoured presidential ambitions.

“Governor Makinde is my friend, a former colleague and one of the strong leaders of the PDP, to which I belong. I can say on my honour that Seyi has never told me he is running for President, and if we are as close as we are and he hasn’t told me, then I suspect that people are just using that slant as a means of blackmail,” Emmanuel said.

He suggested that the speculation might be aimed at undermining Makinde’s efforts to rebuild the party or to sow discord between him and the President.

“It is normal that anybody who desires to contest for any political office will undertake consultations to get the support of people, but my friend Seyi has not reached me or anyone I know of, on that matter,” he added.

Emmanuel also emphasised Makinde’s commitment to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the importance of party unity.

“What I know and I’m certain of is that he (Seyi) is a true party man, who, like many of us in the PDP, is totally committed to the resuscitation of the party that offered us a platform for political recognition and service to our people,” he stated.

He underscored the necessity of maintaining political tolerance to consolidate Nigeria’s democracy.

“We cannot just abandon the party; it’s morally wrong to do so. We run a multi-party democratic structure, which must be nourished to stability. There will always be a ruling party and opposition parties, and we must imbibe the spirit of political tolerance that helps to consolidate democracy in nations where it is practised, which Nigeria is one,” Emmanuel said.

Emmanuel also addressed questions about his relative quietness in the political arena since stepping down as governor in 2023.

“I had promised at the twilight of my administration that when I leave office, I will leave the stage for my successor and retreat to my private life and engagements, and that is exactly what I have done,” he explained.

Despite retreating from active politics, he said he remains engaged behind the scenes.

“I have returned to my private life, but that doesn’t mean that I have left or retired from politics. After all, I still relate with and share ideas with many leaders at different levels, especially governors who ask for my opinion on diverse matters relating to public governance,” he noted.

He concluded with a reflection on timing in politics and life:

“I believe that there is time for everything, that’s what the Holy Book says. So, there is time for politics, there is time for business, I mean everything has its time, and I’m abiding by that principles.”

Udom Emmanuel has dismissed rumours of Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde’s 2027 presidential ambitions, affirming his close relationship with Makinde and commitment to the PDP.

Also read: Abdullahi Ganduje Backs Tinubu for 2027 Re-Election Bid

Emmanuel also reaffirmed his temporary withdrawal from active politics while maintaining advisory roles within political circles.