Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to honour a written political agreement reached ahead of the 2023 presidential election, alleging that the arrangement to establish a government of national unity was abandoned after the President assumed office.
Makinde made the allegation during an interview with ARISE News anchor, Ojy Okpe, aired on Friday, November 13, 2026, where he explained the circumstances surrounding his decision to support Tinubu, despite belonging to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party at the time.
The governor disclosed that the agreement was documented and signed before the 2023 general election, insisting that he still possessed a copy of the document as evidence of the understanding reached between the parties.
According to him, his decision to support Tinubu, who contested under the All Progressives Congress, was based on the expectation that the incoming administration would establish an inclusive government capable of accommodating different political interests across the country.
Makinde said his support was not motivated by ethnic considerations or personal political benefits but by his belief that Tinubu’s political experience and relationships would help unite Nigerians and promote national development.
He said, “I still have the agreement with us.”
The governor further alleged that the President failed to fulfil the commitment after securing victory in the election and assuming office in May 2023.
He said, “I’ve had a certain experience with him, you know, where agreement was signed. And he didn’t keep to it.”
Makinde challenged those questioning his political decisions to examine whether the agreement had produced the promised government of national unity.
He questioned whether Nigerians had benefited from the political arrangement, stressing that the issue should be assessed based on its impact on the country rather than personal disagreements between political leaders.
“Tell us if the agreement was fulfilled. That’s wrong. Tell us if, not in terms of something personal, what has Nigeria got out of this? Are we having a government of national unity right now?” he asked.
The governor’s disclosure has renewed attention on the political negotiations that took place before the 2023 presidential election, particularly the decision by some opposition figures to support Tinubu despite their party affiliations.
Makinde was among the prominent Peoples Democratic Party governors who disagreed with the party’s leadership over its presidential candidate and the failure to address demands for regional balance within the party.
The disagreement contributed to the emergence of the G-5 governors, a group that adopted positions different from the PDP’s national leadership during the election.
The governor maintained that his support for Tinubu was based on the expectation that the President would bring together competent Nigerians from different political backgrounds to address the country’s challenges.
He also rejected suggestions that their shared Yoruba background influenced his decision, insisting that national interest and political inclusion were the major considerations.
Asked whether he would consider working with Tinubu again ahead of the 2027 general election, Makinde contrasted his experience with the President with his dealings with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He said he had not experienced similar disagreements with the two opposition politicians.
The Oyo governor’s comments come amid growing political consultations and discussions among opposition leaders seeking to build alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Makinde has advocated cooperation among opposition politicians, arguing that political arrangements should prioritise Nigeria’s interests rather than individual ambitions.
However, he did not disclose the full contents of the alleged agreement or identify all those who signed it. The document was also not independently examined during the interview.
Neither the Presidency nor President Tinubu had publicly responded to the latest allegations at the time of reporting.
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