Makinde Says He Wants to Become President in 2027, Not Tinubu Deputy

(Governor Seyi Makinde. Photo Credit: Punch News)
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says he wants to run for president in 2027 to give Nigerians a different choice from President Bola Tinubu.

He is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM.

Speaking in an television interview, on Friday, Makinde said Nigeria is at a turning point.

He said Yoruba voters should have a choice, and that being Yoruba himself should not stop him from challenging Tinubu, who is also from the South West.

He said he is not interested in being anyone's deputy.

Seyi said he is running to tell Nigerians that the government's failure to deal with the economy, insecurity and skills development is not a Yoruba agenda.

He said he wants to lead from the centre and "reset Nigeria" as the Yoruba president.

Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He is also Yoruba and comes from Lagos State.

INEC's final list of presidential candidates for the January 16 2027 election includes Tinubu, Makinde, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi of the NDC, and PDP candidate Sandy Ojang Onor, among others.

The contest comes amid long running debate over zoning and the unofficial rule that power should rotate between North and South.

Tinubu took over after Buhari's two terms from the North.

Makinde's position is that regional or ethnic identity should not prevent voters from choosing between candidates, even when two come from the same group.