Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained why he withdrew his support for President Bola Tinubu and decided to contest against him in the 2027 presidential election, saying he no longer believes the current administration is leading Nigeria in the right direction.

Makinde, who supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, said his decision was not motivated by personal differences or merely a desire to occupy the presidency but by concerns about Nigeria’s future and the opportunities available to its citizens.

The governor gave the explanation in a statement published on his campaign platform, Reset Nigeria, where he reflected on his political journey, assessed the Tinubu administration and outlined his reasons for seeking the presidency.

He said he initially supported Tinubu because he expected him to establish a government of national unity and competence that would bring Nigerians together and address the country’s economic challenges.

However, Makinde said his position had changed after observing the administration’s performance over the past three years.

“Three years later, I no longer believe his administration is taking us in that direction,” he stated.

Explaining his motivation, the governor recalled growing up in a modest family where education, hard work and determination offered opportunities for a better future.

He said his personal experience, from studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Lagos to establishing an engineering company, convinced him that Nigeria could provide opportunities for ordinary citizens to achieve their ambitions.

Makinde, however, expressed concern that many young Nigerians today struggle to complete their education, secure meaningful employment and establish businesses despite their qualifications and skills.

He said his decision to enter politics was informed by the realisation that philanthropy and personal financial assistance could only help a limited number of people, while public policies could create opportunities for millions.

The governor also explained why he decided to contest in 2027 rather than wait until 2031 or 2035, arguing that another four years of the country’s current economic and institutional challenges could make recovery more difficult.

He identified four major concerns behind his loss of confidence in Tinubu’s administration: economic stability without corresponding improvements in people’s lives, what he described as governance by excuses, political interests taking precedence over national unity, and economic reforms implemented without sufficient protection for vulnerable Nigerians.

On the removal of petrol subsidy, Makinde said he supported the need for reforms but believed the government should have prepared adequately for their consequences.

He argued that the Federal Government could have used the presidential transition period to agree on measures with state governors to cushion the impact of the policy before implementing it.

Citing Oyo State as an example, he said his administration introduced additional Omituntun buses, maintained existing transport fares and offered half-price travel for students and senior citizens within 11 days of the subsidy removal announcement.

He added that the state subsequently introduced its Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery programme, known as SAfER, to provide food relief, subsidise transportation and support small businesses and farmers.

Makinde maintained that government policies should not be judged only by their economic objectives but also by how effectively they protect citizens from hardship.

He further said his proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda would focus on measurable commitments, institutional accountability and improved living conditions.

The governor also pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected president, describing his proposed administration as a transitional government of national unity focused on delivering measurable progress.

He urged Nigerians to examine his record in Oyo State and scrutinise his proposals rather than accept his promises without questioning them.

Makinde said his presidential ambition was driven by his belief that Nigeria could still become a country where citizens have access to opportunities and future generations can pursue their dreams.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State has suffered a setback ahead of the 2027 governorship election following the withdrawal of its deputy governorship candidate, Stella Charles Archibong, from the party’s ticket.

Archibong announced her decision on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, declaring support for the re-election bid of Governor Bassey Otu under the Back to South Movement.

She said her decision followed consultations with family members, elders, Christian leaders and political stakeholders across the state.

According to her, the collective interest and development of Cross River State outweighed her personal political ambition.

“My responsibility to Cross River State is bigger than my individual ambition,” she said.

Archibong also expressed appreciation to the NDC State Chairman, Goddy Akwama, the party’s governorship candidate, John Odey, and the national leadership for giving her the opportunity to serve on the party’s platform.

She apologised to supporters who might be disappointed by her withdrawal and thanked them for their support throughout her political engagement with the party.

Her decision to support Governor Otu also signals her alignment with the Back to South Movement, which is advocating for the Southern Senatorial District to retain the governorship position for another term.

Reacting to the development, the NDC governorship candidate, John Odey, described her withdrawal as surprising but urged party members and supporters to remain calm.

Odey said the situation required maturity, mutual respect and responsible leadership, adding that consultations were ongoing with party leaders and stakeholders to understand the circumstances surrounding her decision and determine the party’s next steps.

He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the party’s political aspirations and building what he described as a prosperous and inclusive Cross River State.

Archibong’s withdrawal comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to produce electoral documents submitted by President Bola Tinubu during the 1999 Lagos State governorship election and the 2023 presidential election.

The order was issued through a subpoena in the ongoing criminal trial of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) politician, Omoyele Sowore, who is facing prosecution over his description of President Tinubu as a criminal.

According to court documents, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar directed Amupitan to appear before the court and produce two specific documents: Tinubu’s INEC Form CF01, including the affidavit relating to lost certificates, submitted during his 1999 governorship bid, and the Form CF01 submitted for the 2023 presidential election.

The subpoena, titled Subpoena Duces Tecum, was issued in charge number FHC/CR/484/2025, in which the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the complainant and Sowore is the defendant. It was addressed to the INEC chairman at the commission’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The order forms part of efforts by Sowore’s defence team to obtain documents and call witnesses as the activist presents his case against the charges brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore disclosed the development on Monday after court proceedings, saying the court had also accepted a subpoena requiring Lagos-based All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, to appear as a witness.

He told journalists that Amupitan and Igbokwe were expected to testify on Wednesday, although the specific evidence the defence intends to obtain from the witnesses was not fully disclosed.

The activist also cautioned the prosecution against taking steps to challenge the subpoenas or prevent the witnesses from appearing in court.

Sowore’s trial followed his refusal to retract his description of Tinubu as a criminal, a statement that led to his prosecution by the DSS. The activist has maintained his position while challenging the basis of the case.

The latest development comes amid other legal disputes involving Tinubu’s electoral records. In a separate case, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress have challenged the President’s eligibility for the 2027 election over allegations concerning his NYSC discharge certificate. Tinubu and the APC have denied submitting a forged certificate.

The subpoena does not, by itself, establish that any document submitted by Tinubu was false or that the President committed an offence. It requires the INEC chairman to produce the specified records and give evidence in the ongoing proceedings.