Makinde Dismisses Speculation of Withdrawing from Presidential Race

…As the Gov. describes federal high court judgement in EFCC’s request as a victory for due process, not against the commission

Oyo State Governor and Allied People’s Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared that he remains firmly in the race for Nigeria’s presidency, dismissing speculations that he would withdraw in favour of another candidate.

He said he did not enter the contest to step down but to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.

Governor Makinde made the declaration while addressing residents of Oyo State, through his social media handles, where he also expressed appreciation to the people for their patience and resilience during the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in communities around the Old Oyo National Park.

He assured residents that his administration is strengthening security in vulnerable communities, improving intelligence gathering and enhancing the protection of schools.

He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies or through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.

Speaking on the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makinde said the state government approached the court to seek judicial clarification after the commission requested records of all government contracts and contractor payments from 2021 without identifying any specific transaction or allegation under investigation.

According to the governor, the court affirmed the EFCC’s constitutional powers to investigate financial crimes but ruled that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the law.

He noted that the court described the commission’s request as speculative and held that investigations must be linked to specific allegations rather than broad demands for years of official records.

Makinde maintained that the judgment was not a victory against the EFCC but a victory for the rule of law and due process.

He stressed that his administration has never opposed lawful investigations but believes that accountability must be evidence-based and conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Reaffirming his presidential ambition, the governor said he is determined to continue his campaign despite political pressures and speculation.

He said Nigerians deserve leaders who will uphold the rule of law, strengthen public institutions, improve security and provide people-centred governance, insisting that he remains committed to offering the country a credible choice in the next presidential election.