Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained why he withdrew his support for President Bola Tinubu and decided to contest against him in the 2027 presidential election, saying he no longer believes the current administration is leading Nigeria in the right direction.
Makinde, who supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, said his decision was not motivated by personal differences or merely a desire to occupy the presidency but by concerns about Nigeria’s future and the opportunities available to its citizens.
The governor gave the explanation in a statement published on his campaign platform, Reset Nigeria, where he reflected on his political journey, assessed the Tinubu administration and outlined his reasons for seeking the presidency.
He said he initially supported Tinubu because he expected him to establish a government of national unity and competence that would bring Nigerians together and address the country’s economic challenges.
However, Makinde said his position had changed after observing the administration’s performance over the past three years.
“Three years later, I no longer believe his administration is taking us in that direction,” he stated.
Explaining his motivation, the governor recalled growing up in a modest family where education, hard work and determination offered opportunities for a better future.
He said his personal experience, from studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Lagos to establishing an engineering company, convinced him that Nigeria could provide opportunities for ordinary citizens to achieve their ambitions.
Makinde, however, expressed concern that many young Nigerians today struggle to complete their education, secure meaningful employment and establish businesses despite their qualifications and skills.
He said his decision to enter politics was informed by the realisation that philanthropy and personal financial assistance could only help a limited number of people, while public policies could create opportunities for millions.
The governor also explained why he decided to contest in 2027 rather than wait until 2031 or 2035, arguing that another four years of the country’s current economic and institutional challenges could make recovery more difficult.
He identified four major concerns behind his loss of confidence in Tinubu’s administration: economic stability without corresponding improvements in people’s lives, what he described as governance by excuses, political interests taking precedence over national unity, and economic reforms implemented without sufficient protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
On the removal of petrol subsidy, Makinde said he supported the need for reforms but believed the government should have prepared adequately for their consequences.
He argued that the Federal Government could have used the presidential transition period to agree on measures with state governors to cushion the impact of the policy before implementing it.
Citing Oyo State as an example, he said his administration introduced additional Omituntun buses, maintained existing transport fares and offered half-price travel for students and senior citizens within 11 days of the subsidy removal announcement.
He added that the state subsequently introduced its Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery programme, known as SAfER, to provide food relief, subsidise transportation and support small businesses and farmers.
Makinde maintained that government policies should not be judged only by their economic objectives but also by how effectively they protect citizens from hardship.
He further said his proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda would focus on measurable commitments, institutional accountability and improved living conditions.
The governor also pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected president, describing his proposed administration as a transitional government of national unity focused on delivering measurable progress.
He urged Nigerians to examine his record in Oyo State and scrutinise his proposals rather than accept his promises without questioning them.
Makinde said his presidential ambition was driven by his belief that Nigeria could still become a country where citizens have access to opportunities and future generations can pursue their dreams.