Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has explained why he decided to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, despite previously supporting his emergence in 2023.
Makinde said his decision was driven by concerns about Nigeria’s direction under the Tinubu administration, insisting that his ambition was not motivated by a personal disagreement with the President or a desire to occupy Aso Rock.
The governor made the disclosure in a lengthy statement published on his campaign platform, Reset Nigeria, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, where he explained his political journey, his assessment of the current administration and his reasons for seeking the presidency.
According to him, he supported Tinubu during the 2023 election because he believed the President had the political experience and relationships needed to build a government of national unity and competence.
However, Makinde said his confidence in the administration had declined after three years in office.
“Three years later, I no longer believe his administration is taking us in that direction,” he said.
Explaining his concerns, the governor identified four major areas where he believes the Tinubu administration has fallen short. These include economic stability without corresponding development, governance characterised by excuses, the pursuit of political power over national unity and economic reforms implemented without adequate protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
On the economy, Makinde acknowledged improvements in some macroeconomic indicators but argued that such gains would have little meaning if they failed to translate into better living conditions, employment opportunities, higher incomes and productive businesses.
He also criticised the Federal Government’s repeated references to inherited challenges, particularly insecurity, poverty and electricity shortages, as explanations for its performance.
“Every government inherits problems, but it is elected to solve them,” he said, arguing that Nigerians should be seeing measurable progress rather than continued explanations.
The APM presidential candidate further expressed concern about the state of national unity and what he described as the weakening of opposition parties, insisting that a strong opposition was necessary for a functional democracy.
Makinde also clarified his position on the removal of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, saying he supported the need for economic adjustments but believed the policies should have been accompanied by adequate preparations and measures to cushion their impact on citizens.
He said he would have used the presidential transition period to develop interventions before implementing the subsidy removal.
According to him, he would have convened the National Economic Council to work with state governors on a coordinated response, including transportation support, funding arrangements and transparent reporting on how public resources were being spent.
Citing his administration’s response to the economic impact of subsidy removal in Oyo State, Makinde said additional Omituntun buses were deployed, existing fares were maintained and half-price transportation was introduced for students and senior citizens within 11 days of the announcement.
He also highlighted the state’s Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery programme, known as SAfER, which he said supported 200,000 vulnerable households through food relief, transportation subsidies, business support and agricultural interventions.
Why I cannot wait until 2031
Makinde also explained why he decided to contest in 2027 rather than wait until 2031 or 2035.
He said he was worried about the future of young Nigerians who had acquired educational qualifications and professional skills but were still struggling to secure meaningful employment.
He equally pointed to the difficulties facing businesses due to electricity and transportation costs, as well as the growing uncertainty among parents about the opportunities available to their children.
The governor warned that allowing the country’s current challenges to persist for another four years could make the damage to Nigeria’s economy, institutions and the prospects of younger generations more difficult to reverse.
He maintained that his experience as governor of Oyo State had strengthened his belief that effective leadership could create opportunities, build institutions and improve citizens’ lives.
Makinde recalled his political struggles between 2007 and 2015, when he contested for the Senate twice and also sought the governorship before eventually winning the Oyo governorship election in 2019.
He also said he entered public office without a political godfather, adding that his administration had demonstrated that governance could produce tangible results when leaders remained committed to their responsibilities.
Makinde promises one-term presidency
The governor further reiterated his commitment to serving only one four-year term if elected President in 2027.
He said his proposed administration would operate as a transitional government of national unity, with a focus on measurable progress rather than an extended stay in office.
Makinde urged Nigerians to examine his record in Oyo State and scrutinise the proposals contained in his Reset Nigeria Agenda rather than accept his presidential ambition without questioning it.
“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.
He also called on Nigerians who had become disillusioned with the electoral process not to abandon the 2027 election, describing it as another opportunity to determine the country’s future.
Makinde said his ambition was ultimately driven by his desire to preserve a Nigeria where young people could still pursue their dreams and build better lives.
