Makinde Explains Why He Withdrew Support for Tinubu

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has explained his decision to withdraw support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying the administration has failed to deliver the national unity, competent governance and economic opportunities he expected when he backed the president in 2023.

Makinde, who has declared his intention to contest the presidency under the Peoples Democratic Party-Allied Peoples Movement alliance, said his decision was not driven by a personal disagreement with Tinubu or an ambition to occupy the presidency.

In a statement published on his website, Makinde said he initially supported Tinubu because he believed the president would bring Nigerians together to build a government of national unity and competence while addressing the country's economic challenges.

However, he said three years into the administration, he no longer believed the government was moving in that direction.

Explaining his position, the governor identified four major areas of concern: economic stability without corresponding development, what he described as the government's reliance on excuses, the pursuit of political power at the expense of national unity, and economic reforms implemented without adequate protection for Nigerians.

On the economy, Makinde acknowledged improvements in some macroeconomic indicators but argued that such gains would have little meaning to ordinary Nigerians unless they translated into productive businesses, employment, better incomes and improved living conditions.

He also criticised the administration's handling of inherited challenges, including poverty, insecurity and electricity supply, saying Nigerians should be seeing more measurable progress in addressing the problems.

The governor further expressed concern about what he described as the weakening of opposition parties, arguing that political alliances should serve the national interest rather than political objectives.

Makinde said he supported the removal of petrol subsidies and reforms to the foreign exchange system but believed the government should have prepared adequately for the consequences before implementing the policies.

He used the removal of petrol subsidy in 2023 to illustrate how he would have approached the decision differently if he had been president.

According to him, the Federal Government should have used the presidential transition period to develop a coordinated response with state governors through the National Economic Council, including measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians and ensure transparency in the use of funds.

He cited measures introduced by his administration in Oyo State after subsidy removal, including additional Omituntun buses, maintained transport fares and half-price travel for students and senior citizens.

He said the state later introduced its Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery programme, which provided food support to 200,000 vulnerable households, subsidised public transportation and offered assistance to small businesses and farmers.

Makinde argued that government decisions should not be judged only by their economic rationale but also by how they affect citizens.

The governor also used the statement to explain his political journey, saying his upbringing in a lower-middle-class family and career in engineering and business shaped his belief in creating opportunities for Nigerians.

He said his experience of building a business after studying electrical engineering at the University of Lagos convinced him that education, skills and hard work should provide ordinary Nigerians with opportunities to improve their lives.

Makinde said his entry into politics followed years of philanthropic activities, which he eventually considered insufficient to address the needs of millions of Nigerians.

He recalled unsuccessful attempts to win public office between 2007 and 2015 before he was elected governor of Oyo State in 2019.

The governor also defended his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he was concerned that another four years of what he described as the current trajectory could further damage the economy, public institutions and opportunities available to younger Nigerians.

He said his proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda would outline his plans, implementation strategies and measurable targets for the country.

Makinde also pledged to serve a single four-year presidential term if elected, describing it as a transitional government focused on national unity and measurable progress.

He urged Nigerians to examine his record in Oyo State and assess the proposals in his agenda rather than trust him without scrutiny.

Makinde formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on May 14, 2026, at a joint rally of the PDP and APM in Ibadan, Oyo State.