The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has warned Governor Seyi Makinde against threatening traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state over their interactions with the party’s candidates and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also dismissed Makinde’s presidential ambition as a political distraction, alleging that the governor lacked the capacity and political structure to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday.

Sadare was reacting to Makinde’s recent remarks after he was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland by the Eleruwa of Eruwa.
The APC spokesman cautioned the governor against issuing threats to citizens, particularly traditional rulers and religious leaders, simply because they received APC candidates, leaders or supporters in their palaces and places of worship.

“It is important for us to reiterate that Gov. Makinde does not possess the wherewithal to slug it out with President Bola Tinubu in 2027 but he is only out to make some noise and distract the global community,” Sadare said.
He accused the governor of using his presidential aspiration to distract attention from governance in Oyo State, alleging that public resources were being expended on the ambition.

According to Sadare, the governor’s presidential bid on the platform of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) lacked the political structure required to compete effectively in a national election.
“Makinde knows, in his mind, that contesting for the Nigerian presidency is not a child’s play while he does not possess the personal quality, experience and strategy to be the next president in 2027,” he said.

The APC spokesman also alleged that the governor could only secure a distant position in the presidential contest if he eventually appeared on the ballot.
Sadare also warned that the party would monitor expenditure incurred by the state government in connection with Makinde’s presidential ambition and seek accountability where necessary.
“Makinde is being monitored as he embarks on a political journey that has failed before its commencement while he would be made to cough out all the public funds he wasted on it,” he said.
The party urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to continue to maintain their constitutional and traditional roles without being intimidated by political developments.

It also called on the governor to concentrate on the affairs of Oyo State and refrain from actions or statements capable of creating tension among political stakeholders and community leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.