Shittu disclosed that his political ambition remains intact, stressing that his long years in public service have equipped him with the capacity to lead the state effectively.
“I have been a legislator, commissioner and minister. These are experiences you cannot buy. My chances belong to God,” he said.
The former minister made the remarks during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, monitored by The Guardian.
He also dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, insisting that recent defections to the ruling APC are driven by performance and good governance rather than intimidation.
According to him, politicians defecting to the party are motivated by self-interest and political survival, particularly in response to internal crises within opposition parties.
“We thank God in APC; we are making waves. People are not defecting for the sake of it. It is an attraction to the performance of Mr President, to his courage and initiatives. Nobody is forcing anybody,” Shittu said.
He noted that the APC currently controls about 28 states and has made significant inroads in the National Assembly, attributing the development to President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Shittu acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians but urged citizens to remain patient, describing the ongoing reforms as necessary sacrifices aimed at resetting the nation after years of misgovernance.
“Things are hard; we are all feeling it. But we must make sacrifices for Nigeria to be reset. This is a work in progress, and it will continue to improve by the grace of God,” he stated.
On allegations that opposition politicians are being coerced into joining the APC, Shittu described the claims as “very funny,” arguing that instability within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made it unattractive to its members.
“How would a governor remain in a party that cannot stabilise its national executive and may not be able to nominate candidates by 2027?” he asked.
While dismissing fears of a one-party state, Shittu maintained that Nigeria’s democracy allows for multi-party participation, blaming poor management of opposition parties for the current political imbalance.
“Nobody desires a one-party state. But when parties mismanage themselves, people will move to where there is stability. That is simple arithmetic,” he said.
On security, Shittu criticised the reported release of suspected bandits in Katsina State under a peace arrangement, describing the move as shameful and potentially dangerous.
“If you give amnesty to hundreds of criminals, you might as well open the prisons. It sends the wrong message,” he warned.
He also outlined a proposed seven-point agenda for Oyo State, which includes free education, free healthcare, employment generation and ICT development, should he secure the party’s ticket.
