Tinubu Is Building Political Power, Not National Unity — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritising political power over national unity, saying the President’s political alliances are serving his political interests more than the country.

Makinde made the remarks on Thursday, November 12, in a statement published on his RESET Nigeria platform, where he explained why he withdrew his support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The governor, who supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, said he initially believed the President would use his political experience and relationships across party lines to establish a government of national unity and competence.

However, he said his confidence in the administration had declined after three years in office.

“I believed President Tinubu’s ability to build political alliances would translate into a government that brought capable Nigerians together around a shared national interest,” Makinde stated.

“Instead, I have come to believe that his political alliances serve his political objectives more than the national interest, and I am deeply concerned about the weakening of opposition parties, which are essential to a functioning democracy.”

Makinde identified four major areas of concern about the Tinubu administration: economic stability without corresponding development, what he described as governance by excuses, political power taking precedence over national unity, and economic reforms without adequate protection for citizens.

On the economy, he acknowledged improvements in some macroeconomic indicators but argued that increased government revenue and foreign reserves would have limited meaning for ordinary Nigerians unless they translated into businesses, jobs, better incomes and improved living conditions.

He also criticised the administration for continuing to cite inherited challenges, including poverty, insecurity and electricity problems, instead of demonstrating measurable progress in addressing them.

Regarding economic reforms, Makinde said he supported changes to the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange systems but believed the government should have provided sufficient measures to cushion their impact on Nigerians.

The governor maintained that his decision to challenge Tinubu was not motivated by a personal disagreement or an ambition to occupy Aso Rock, but by concerns about the country’s future.

Makinde is seeking the presidency in 2027 under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). He said his proposed RESET Nigeria Agenda would outline his plans, implementation strategies and measurable targets.

He also pledged to serve a single four-year presidential term if elected, describing his proposed administration as a transitional government of national unity.

Makinde urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, saying the 2027 election would provide an opportunity to demand a different approach to governance.