WHY I’M CONTESTING AGAINST A SITTING PRESIDENT FROM SOUTH WEST — MAKINDE

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has addressed his decision to contest against President Bola Tinubu, bringing attention to the role of regional loyalty in the 2027 presidential race.

Both politicians come from the South-West, making Makinde’s candidacy a challenge to the President within their shared political region.

Makinde is pursuing the presidency on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement. His campaign has promoted a “Reset Nigeria” agenda, with concerns about poverty and insecurity featuring in its public messaging.

His decision raises a question for voters: how much weight should a candidate’s regional background carry when assessing their leadership and policies?

The South-West contest is particularly significant because it places candidates from the same region before an electorate with different political affiliations, priorities and expectations.

Makinde’s campaign will need to explain how its proposals differ from the current administration’s policies and how it intends to address the problems it has identified.

For Tinubu, the contest presents another test of support as he seeks a second term.

Ultimately, candidates will have to persuade Nigerians through their records, policies and ability to deliver. Sharing a regional background does not mean sharing the same political programme—or receiving the same support from voters.