Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained his decision to contest against President Bola Tinubu 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, economic challenges and the diminishing opportunities available to ordinary Nigerians.

The governor made his position known in a lengthy statement published on his campaign platform, Reset Nigeria, on Thursday, where he outlined his political journey, assessment of the Tinubu administration and proposed alternative for the country.

He explained that he initially supported Tinubu because he believed the President would establish a government of national unity and competence capable of addressing Nigeria's economic challenges and improving citizens' living conditions.

However, he said his assessment had changed after three years of the administration, adding that the country's current direction did not reflect the expectations that informed his initial support.

Makinde recalled growing up in a lower-middle-class family, where his father worked as a teacher before retraining as an accountant, while his mother was a civil servant.

He said his upbringing convinced him that education, hard work and determination could provide ordinary Nigerians with opportunities to improve their circumstances.

The governor, who studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Lagos, said he established Makon Engineering and Technical Services at the age of 29, building a successful business without coming from a wealthy or politically connected family.

He explained that his experiences motivated him to enter politics after realising that philanthropy alone could not address the challenges facing millions of Nigerians.

Makinde recalled contesting for the Senate twice and the governorship between 2007 and 2015 before eventually winning the Oyo governorship election in 2019.

He said his seven years in office had demonstrated the importance of creating opportunities, building strong institutions and implementing policies that directly benefit citizens.

Explaining why he decided not to wait until 2031 or 2035 before seeking the presidency, Makinde expressed concern about young Nigerians struggling to secure meaningful employment despite acquiring education and professional skills.

He also highlighted the difficulties facing businesses due to high electricity and transportation costs, alongside growing uncertainty among parents about their children's economic prospects.

The governor identified four major areas of disagreement with Tinubu's administration, including economic stability without corresponding development, continued reliance on inherited challenges, the pursuit of political interests over national unity and economic reforms without adequate 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 measures to cushion their effects before implementation.

He cited Oyo State's response to the policy, saying his administration consulted organised labour, deployed additional Omituntun buses, maintained existing transport fares and introduced half-price travel for students and senior citizens.

He added that the state subsequently launched the Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery programme, known as SAfER, in August 2023, providing food assistance to 200,000 vulnerable households, transportation subsidies and support for small businesses and farmers.

Makinde said his presidential campaign had developed the Reset Nigeria Agenda, outlining proposed policy changes, implementation strategies and measurable targets.

He urged Nigerians to examine his record in Oyo State and scrutinise his proposals rather than accept political promises without questioning their feasibility.

The governor also pledged to serve a single four-year term if elected President, describing his proposed administration as a transitional government of national unity focused on measurable progress.

He called on Nigerians not to lose confidence in the electoral process, urging them to participate in the 2027 election and help determine the country's future direction.

Makinde maintained that his presidential ambition was driven by the desire to build a country where hard work, education and determination could translate into better opportunities for future generations.