By Divine Sam.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has explained why he is contesting against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his decision is driven by concerns about competence, fairness and national unity rather than regional considerations.

Makinde made the remarks on Thursday at the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) South-West Town Hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, where he addressed questions about challenging Tinubu, who, like him, hails from the South-West.

The governor recalled supporting Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election despite belonging to a different political party, saying he believed the President would establish a government that prioritised national unity and competence.

“I supported the current President, even though in another party at that time, because I thought we would do what is right for the country. I thought we would have a government of national unity and a government of national competence,” Makinde said.

However, he argued that the administration had failed to meet those expectations, particularly in the areas of national cohesion, fairness and effective governance.

“Is it a government of national competence? Is it a government of national unity? The answer is no,” he said.

Makinde also recalled that he and other aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supported the idea of power shifting to the South in 2023, following the completion of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

According to him, the position was informed by considerations of equity and justice, as well as the need to maintain a balance in the country’s political leadership.

The Oyo governor said he had expected Tinubu to build an inclusive administration by bringing capable Nigerians from different regions together to tackle the country’s challenges.

He maintained that the expectations had not been fulfilled, accusing the current administration of failing to deliver on the promises made to Nigerians.

Makinde stressed that the 2027 presidential election should not be reduced to a contest over regional identity, arguing that the central iss