Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has explained why he is challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The governor identified economic hardship, national disunity and the handling of petrol subsidy removal among his major concerns.
Makinde made his position known in a newsletter published on Thursday, November 12, after previously supporting Tinubu’s emergence in 2023.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has opened up on why he wants to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, despite supporting his emergence as president three years ago
Makinde, who is contesting under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), identified four major concerns about Tinubu’s administration, including economic hardship, national unity and the handling of major economic reforms.
Why Makinde is challenging Tinubu in 2027
In a newsletter released on Thursday, November 12, Makinde explained that his decision to contest against Tinubu was not driven by personal differences or an ambition to occupy Aso Rock.
He recalled supporting Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election because he believed the president had the political experience and connections needed to bring Nigerians together and establish a government focused on competence.
However, he said his expectations had not been met.
The governor listed four major reasons behind his decision to challenge the president.
His first concern was what he described as economic stability without actual economic development. He acknowledged improvements in some economic figures but argued that ordinary Nigerians were yet to feel the benefits.
His second concern was the continued reference to problems inherited from previous administrations.
Makinde maintained that governments should focus on solving existing challenges rather than repeatedly explaining how they came about.
“Every government inherits problems, but it is elected to solve them,” he said.
The governor also criticised what he described as the growing weakness of opposition parties and the failure to build national unity.
He argued that political alliances should serve the interests of the country rather than those of individual politicians.
His fourth concern was the removal of petrol subsidies and foreign exchange reforms without adequate arrangements to protect Nigerians from the resulting difficulties.
What Makinde said he would have done differently
Makinde argued that the federal government should have worked with state governors through the National Economic Council before removing the petrol subsidy.
He cited Oyo State’s response as an example of how governments could reduce the impact of the policy on residents.
According to him, his administration introduced additional Omituntun buses within 11 days of the subsidy removal, maintained existing transport fares and offered half-price journeys to students and senior citizens.
He added that the state later introduced the SAfER programme in August 2023, providing food assistance to 200,000 vulnerable households alongside transport and business support.
Makinde declared his presidential ambition on May 14, 2026.
He also urged Nigerians to assess his proposals and performance rather than simply accepting his promises.
In his words:
“I am not asking you to trust me blindly. I am asking you to examine what I am proposing and decide whether it offers a credible path towards the Nigeria we all deserve,” he said.
Makinde’s 2027 presidential ambition
The governor’s latest explanation provides more details about his decision to move from supporting Tinubu in 2023 to becoming one of his challengers in 2027.
He has asked Nigerians to consider his proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda as the country prepares for another presidential election.
Meanwhile, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio has linked the Flamingos’ World Cup triumph to President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio declared that the victory of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team was a positive sign for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritise the players’ welfare and organise regular competitions to develop their talents. Continue reading here.
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