Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has explained his decision to withdraw support for President Bola Tinubu and challenge him in the 2027 presidential election, saying he no longer believes the administration is leading Nigeria in the right direction.
Makinde, who backed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, said his decision was driven by concerns about Nigeria’s future rather than personal disagreements with the President or an ambition to occupy the Aso Rock Villa.
The governor made this known in a lengthy statement published on his campaign platform, Reset Nigeria, on Thursday. He used the statement to recount his political journey, assess the Tinubu administration and outline his vision for the country.
Makinde said he initially supported Tinubu because he believed the President could unite Nigerians and establish a government of national unity and competence capable of addressing the country’s economic challenges.
However, he said his position had changed after three years of the administration.
“I supported President Tinubu because I believed he could bring people together to build a government of national unity and competence. I believed his administration would confront our economic challenges while creating opportunities for Nigerians to build better lives.
“Three years later, I no longer believe his administration is taking us in that direction,” he said.
Reflecting on his background, Makinde said he was raised in a lower-middle-class family. His father was a teacher who later retrained as an accountant, while his mother worked as a telephone operator in the civil service.
He said his family was not wealthy but that he grew up in a Nigeria where ordinary families believed education, hard work and determination could give their children access to better opportunities.
The governor attended Bishop Phillips Academy in Ibadan before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he studied Electrical Engineering.
He later specialised in industrial measurement and safety systems before establishing Makon Engineering and Technical Services at the age of 29.
According to him, the company expanded beyond Nigeria despite his lack of wealth or political connections.
“I did not achieve this because I came from a wealthy or politically connected family. I had an education, acquired useful skills, found opportunities and worked to make the most of them.
“Nigeria gave me the opportunity to live my dreams. And that is what troubles me about the Nigeria we have today,” he said.
Makinde questioned whether young Nigerians could still access similar opportunities, particularly in completing their education, acquiring relevant skills, securing meaningful employment and establishing businesses.
He said his ambition was to help build a country where hard work and determination could translate into improved living conditions and better opportunities for its citizens.
The post Why I Decided To Challenge Tinubu In 2027 – Makinde appeared first on OsunDefender.
