Makinde Gives Four Reasons for Challenging Tinubu in 2027, Pledges One-Term Presidency

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has identified economic hardship, poor governance, weakening opposition parties and inadequate protection for Nigerians during economic reforms as four major reasons for withdrawing his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), explained that his decision to challenge Tinubu was not driven by a personal disagreement or an ambition to occupy Aso Rock but by concerns about Nigeria’s future.

The governor disclosed this in a statement published on his political platform, Reset Nigeria, on Thursday, November 12, where he explained his political journey, his assessment of the Tinubu administration and his reasons for seeking the presidency.

Makinde recalled supporting Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election because he believed the President’s political experience and relationships could help unite Nigerians and establish a government focused on competence and economic development.

However, he said his assessment of the administration had changed after three years in office.

“Three years later, I no longer believe his administration is taking us in that direction,” he stated.

Explaining his first concern, Makinde acknowledged improvements in some macroeconomic indicators under Tinubu but argued that the gains had not translated into better living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.

He said economic stabilisation should not necessarily come before development, adding that Nigerians should not have been subjected to prolonged hardship while waiting for economic improvements.

His second concern was what he described as governing by excuses.

According to him, successive governments inherit challenges but are elected to address them, rather than repeatedly attributing their difficulties to previous administrations.

He cited poverty, insecurity and electricity problems as areas where Nigerians should be seeing more measurable progress.

On national unity, the governor said he initially expected Tinubu’s political experience and ability to build alliances to produce a government that brought capable Nigerians together.

However, he expressed concern that the President’s political alliances appeared to serve political objectives more than the national interest.

Makinde also criticised what he described as the weakening of opposition parties, arguing that their existence was essential to a functioning democracy.

His fourth concern centred on the implementation of economic reforms without adequate protection for citizens.

Although he supported reforms to the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange systems, he faulted the administration for failing to sufficiently prepare measures to cushion their effects before implementation.

What Makinde Says He Would Have Done Differently

Using the removal of the petrol subsidy as an example, Makinde said he would have used the presidential transition period to prepare interventions before implementing the policy.

He argued that the Federal Government should have convened the National Economic Council to coordinate with state governors, determine the necessary support measures and establish how the different levels of government would fund and implement them.

The governor also recalled that President Tinubu had opposed the abrupt removal of petrol subsidy by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, arguing that the President should have understood the potential consequences of such a decision.

Citing his administration’s response in Oyo State, Makinde said additional Omituntun buses were deployed within 11 days of the subsidy removal, while existing transport fares were maintained and half-price journeys introduced for students and senior citizens.

He added that the state subsequently launched its Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme in August 2023 to provide food relief to 200,000 vulnerable households, subsidised transportation and support for small businesses and farmers.

Why He Is Not Waiting Until 2031

Makinde also explained why he decided to pursue the presidency in 2027 rather than wait until 2031 or 2035.

He cited concerns about young Nigerians struggling to secure employment despite acquiring qualifications and skills, businesses facing high electricity and transportation costs, and parents becoming increasingly uncertain about their children’s economic future.

He warned that another four years of what he described as the current national trajectory could make the country’s economic and institutional challenges more difficult to reverse.

The governor, who said his experience in Oyo State had strengthened his belief that Nigeria could work for its citizens, urged Nigerians to examine his record and proposed policies rather than accept his promises without scrutiny.

He also disclosed that his proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda contained plans for addressing the country’s challenges and measurable outcomes against which his administration could be assessed.

Makinde further pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected President, describing his proposed administration as a transitional government of national unity focused on measurable progress.

“I have committed to serving one four-year term as President, leading a transitional government of national unity focused on measurable progress,” he said.

He urged Nigerians who had become disillusioned with government and the electoral process not to abandon participation in the 2027 general election.