Udom Emmanuel Reacts to Makinde’s Possible Presidential Bid

Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has denied any connection between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and a 2027 presidential run, saying the PDP governor has never brought up the subject with him.
Emmanuel told reporters during an Abuja event that attempts to associate Makinde with the presidency in 2027 might be politically driven.

“Governor Makinde is a friend of mine, a former colleague, and one of the powerful leaders of the PDP, which I am a part of,” he stated. On my honor, I can state that Seyi has never disclosed his presidential candidacy to me. Given our close relationship, I believe that he is being blackmailed by those who wish to either stop him from advocating for our party’s reconstruction or to plant seeds of animosity between him and the president.

“My friend Seyi has not reached me or anyone I know of, on that matter,” he said, despite the fact that anyone with political ambition typically conducts consultations.

The former governor emphasized Makinde’s continued dedication to the Peoples Democratic Party’s continued existence.

According to Emmanuel, “I am positive that Seyi is a true party man who, like many of us in the PDP, is fully dedicated to the revival of the party that provided us with a platform for political recognition and service to our people,” Emmanuel stated.

“It is morally unacceptable for us to simply leave the party. Our multi-party democratic system needs to be supported in order to remain stable. We must instill the culture of political tolerance that contributes to the consolidation of democracy in countries like Nigeria, where it is practiced, as there will always be a ruling party and opposition parties.

Emmanuel clarified that he had purposefully been quiet since ceding power in 2023.

He went on to say, “I made a commitment at the end of my term that when I step down, I will step aside for my successor and return to my personal life and commitments, and I have done just that.”

“I’ve gone back to my personal life, but it doesn’t imply I’ve left or given up on politics. Ultimately, I continue to connect with and exchange ideas with a wide range of leaders at various levels, particularly governors who seek my advice on a variety of public governance-related issues.

“I think that the Holy Bible teaches that everything has its time. Accordingly, everything has its time, including politics and business, and I’m living up to that idea.