Makinde Reveals Why He Decided To Challenge Tinubu In 2027

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 taking Nigeria in the right direction.

Makinde, who supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, said his decision was informed by concerns about the country’s future and the opportunities available to Nigerians, rather than personal differences with the President or an ambition to occupy the presidency.

The governor gave the explanation in a lengthy statement published on his campaign platform, Reset Nigeria, on Thursday, where he discussed his political journey, his assessment of the Tinubu administration and his vision for Nigeria.

He explained that he initially supported Tinubu because he believed the President could unite Nigerians and form a government of national unity and competence that would tackle the country’s economic challenges.

However, Makinde said his confidence in the administration had changed after three years in office.

“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.

The governor also traced his background, explaining that 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.

According to him, although his family was not wealthy, he grew up in a Nigeria where ordinary citizens believed education, hard work and determination could provide their children with opportunities to succeed.

Makinde attended Bishop Phillips Academy in Ibadan before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he studied Electrical Engineering.

He subsequently specialised in industrial measurement and safety systems and established Makon Engineering and Technical Services at the age of 29.

He said the company expanded beyond Nigeria despite his not coming from a wealthy or politically influential family.

“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 enjoy the same opportunities, particularly in accessing quality education, acquiring relevant skills, securing meaningful employment and establishing businesses.

He said his ambition was to contribute to building a country where citizens could look forward to better living conditions through hard work and determination.

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