Seyi Makinde Defends 2027 Presidential Bid Against Tinubu

Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has defended his decision to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at the Makinde-Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall Meeting in Akure, Ondo State, he argued that the South-West region is entitled to present more than one candidate for the presidency.

Makinde stated that the presence of Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, from the same geopolitical zone should not deter other qualified aspirants. He emphasized that the selection of Nigeria's next president should be based on competence and governance capability rather than regional affiliations.

Citing the 1999 presidential election where both Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae contested from the South-West, he noted that having multiple candidates from the same region is not unusual. Makinde's campaign will prioritize energy and governance capacity over age considerations.