Makinde: I Rejected Tinubu’s Request to Deliver Oyo for APC in 2023 Election
The political landscape in Nigeria has been set ablaze following startling revelations from the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, regarding his clandestine interactions with the presidency prior to the last general transition. During a candid stakeholders’ engagement, the Governor disclosed for the first time that he flatly turned down a direct proposition from then candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu to organize and lead the APC in 2023 Election within Oyo State.
Makinde explained that while he was a central figure in the G5 Governors’ rebellion against the leadership of his own party, the People’s Democratic Party, he remained principled enough to refuse an invitation that would have required him to dismantle his political home for the benefit of the opposition.
The Governor provided specific details about a high level meeting where the offer was made, noting that the request was designed to create a seamless pathway for the ruling party in a state traditionally known for its sophisticated and independent voting patterns. Makinde clarified that his refusal was rooted in a desire to maintain his integrity and the trust of the PDP members who had stood by his administration since 2019. He emphasized that although he eventually supported the shift of power to the South, he could not bring himself to become the coordinator for a rival party, a move he described as a bridge too far for his political conscience.
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However, the narrative has taken a somber turn as the Governor expressed profound remorse over his eventual support for the current administration. Reflecting on the state of the nation in late 2025, Makinde admitted that he regrets the role he played in the emergence of the current presidency, citing the severe economic hardship and the unprecedented inflation currently strangling the Nigerian populace. He noted that the vision of a prosperous South led presidency has been overshadowed by the reality of struggling households and a devalued national currency, leading him to publicly apologize for misjudging the trajectory of the Renewed Hope agenda.
Looking toward the future, the Oyo State helmsman has pivoted his focus to the national stage, boldly declaring his readiness to lead the country in 2027. He asserted that his governance model in Oyo, which has successfully integrated infrastructure development with fiscal discipline, serves as a sufficient blueprint for national redemption. Makinde argued that he is uniquely qualified to bridge the gaps in Nigeria’s leadership, positioning himself as a candidate who understands both the complexities of regional politics and the urgent need for a technocratic approach to federal governance. His declaration marks a definitive break from his former allies and signals the beginning of a new, ambitious chapter in his political career. For more information, I recommend Songbux.