Former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Udom Emmanuel denied knowledge of Seyi Makinde’s alleged 2027 presidential ambition, saying rumours are unfounded.
Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has dismissed speculation that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is preparing to run for president in 2027, The Guardian reported on Thursday.
Speaking with journalists at an event in Abuja, Emmanuel described Makinde as a close ally and insisted he has not been informed of any such ambition. “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,” he said.
Emmanuel argued that the rumours were likely being used “as a means of blackmail” to weaken Makinde’s role in rebuilding the PDP or to create tension with President Bola Tinubu.
While acknowledging that political consultations are a normal precursor to elections, Emmanuel maintained Makinde has not reached out to him or others within the party on the matter. He praised Makinde’s loyalty to the PDP, saying, “What I know and I’m certain of is that he is a true party man.”
Emmanuel added that he has stepped back into private life since leaving office but continues to advise political leaders when consulted.