Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has claimed that former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, have indicated interest in contesting in the 2023 presidential election.

There have been speculations in the past weeks over the candidates for the next general elections, especially with the issues raised around zoning.

Makinde, speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, boasted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has “eminently qualified” personalities that can lead Nigeria.

He also said the only way PDP can be stopped, is if the party is divided internally.

“Once PDP governors are able to move in one direction, align on most of the issues and the challenges we are faced with, I think there is hope for this country.

“Our party has eminently qualified personalities that can lead this country successfully.

“Some have indicated interest like former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, like governor Tambuwal, like governor Bala Mohammed.

“The bottom line is when we get to that bridge, we will definitely cross it. What is important at this stage, which I will solicit the support of PDP members and the generality of Nigerians, is please support us to have a successful national convention.

“There is no way you can become anything — president, vice-president, even governor — if we don’t have a party. What we want to do first is ensure that we get things right within our party,”

Makinde said.

When Makinde was asked if he thinks PDP will take over power from the APC in 2023, he replied: “Well, it is a question that I know Nigerians will answer and they will answer decisively.”