2027: MAKINDE DEFENDS PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION AGAINST TINUBU, SAYS SOUTH-WEST CAN FIELD TWO CANDIDATES

By NaijaParrot October 22, 2026 

 IBADAN, OYO STATE — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has defended his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the South-West region can produce more than one presidential candidate. Makinde’s position challenges the suggestion that political leaders from the same geopolitical zone should necessarily unite behind a single candidate during the election. The governor, who is seeking the presidency under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has maintained that Nigerians should have the freedom to choose among candidates based on their policies, records and plans for the country. His presidential ambition places him in direct competition with Tinubu, who is seeking another term under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Makinde’s argument centres on the principle that geographical origin should not prevent politicians from different parties from contesting the same election. The governor has previously argued that the strength of a presidential candidate should be assessed by the support they can attract from Nigerians rather than the size of their political party alone. At the launch of his presidential campaign office in Abuja, he presented his ambition as an effort to offer voters an alternative political direction and encourage broader participation in the democratic process. His emergence as an opposition presidential contender has also intensified discussions about the political future of the South-West, particularly because Tinubu is from the same region. 

The South-West is expected to remain an important political battleground ahead of the 2027 general election. Tinubu’s political base and longstanding influence in the region could make the contest significant for both the ruling party and opposition groups seeking to expand their support. Makinde, however, has rejected the idea that the region must speak with one political voice simply because the incumbent president comes from it. His position reflects a broader debate among opposition figures over whether to maintain separate presidential candidacies or unite behind a consensus candidate to challenge the APC. In April 2026, opposition leaders gathered in Ibadan and expressed support for efforts to build a united front ahead of the election. However, subsequent political developments have highlighted the difficulty of reconciling the ambitions of multiple presidential hopefuls. 

 The debate over multiple candidates has implications for opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling party. Supporters of a single opposition candidate argue that consolidating votes could strengthen the challenge against the APC. Those favouring separate candidacies maintain that voters should have a wider range of political choices. Makinde’s position adds another dimension to the discussion, particularly as political alliances and party platforms continue to evolve ahead of the election. The 2027 contest will ultimately be determined by the candidates presented by their respective parties, the electoral process and the decisions of Nigerian voters. 

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