RismadarVoice Reporters
October 11, 2026
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed regret over his support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, saying the administration has not delivered the national unity, fairness and competence he expected.
Makinde made the remarks during a radio interview in Ibadan, where he explained the political considerations behind his decision to support Tinubu, then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor said his decision was influenced by his belief that the presidency should return to southern Nigeria after the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He maintained that his position was driven by concerns about equity, regional balance and the need for a government that would accommodate Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations.
According to Makinde, he had expected Tinubu to establish an inclusive administration that would draw competent individuals from different regions and political backgrounds.
However, he said those expectations had not been met.
“Is it a government of national competence? Is it a government of national unity? The answer is no,” Makinde said.
The governor recalled the internal disagreements that divided the PDP ahead of the 2023 presidential election, particularly the controversy surrounding the party’s presidential ticket and national chairmanship.
He explained that some governors opposed the arrangement under which Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, emerged as the presidential candidate while Iyorchia Ayu, also from the North, remained national chairman.
Makinde disclosed that he initially supported former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike for the presidential nomination before joining other aggrieved governors in demanding changes to the party’s leadership structure.
He said the group proposed replacing Ayu with Taofeek Arapaja, then Deputy National Chairman (South), as acting national chairman to address concerns about regional representation.
According to him, the proposal was presented during a meeting with Atiku in London, but the disagreement remained unresolved.
Makinde said the failure to reach an agreement contributed to his decision to support Tinubu.
He explained that his understanding with the APC presidential candidate centred on the expectation of a government committed to national unity and effective governance rather than partisan considerations.
The governor also recounted an alleged discussion about ministerial appointments, saying Tinubu had requested that he recommend a candidate from Oyo State.
Makinde said he proposed someone he considered qualified to serve as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, but the appointment did not materialise as he had anticipated.
He noted that Adebayo Adelabu was subsequently appointed Minister of Power.
Makinde further claimed that Tinubu had sought his assistance in organising the APC in Oyo State, a request he said he declined because of his continued membership of the PDP.
The governor maintained that his dissatisfaction extended beyond political appointments to what he considered the administration’s failure to establish the inclusive government he had envisaged.
Reflecting on his decision, Makinde acknowledged that his political expectations had not produced the outcome he wanted.
“So I regret that action. Yes, I do,” he said.
He also defended his decision to acknowledge what he now considers a political mistake, arguing that public officials should be willing to admit errors and take responsibility for their decisions.
Makinde’s comments come amid discussions about his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
His assessment reflects his personal and political position on the Tinubu administration, whose performance remains a subject of debate among political parties and other stakeholders.
