Makinde says he misses Osinbajo as VP
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has ignited a fresh political conversation after making candid remarks about governance at the federal level, openly stating that he misses the tenure of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and suggesting that things are “not the same” under President Bola Tinubu.
The comments, delivered during a recent interaction with political stakeholders and later circulated widely across social media, have drawn mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political spectrum. While supporters describe Makinde’s remarks as honest and reflective, critics argue that they risk deepening partisan tensions at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship and governance challenges,Makinde says he misses Osinbajo as VP.
A Statement That Resonated Beyond Oyo
Governor Makinde’s statement was brief but loaded. By directly contrasting the Osinbajo vice-presidency era with the current administration, he touched a sensitive nerve in Nigeria’s evolving political discourse. Osinbajo, who served as Vice President from 2015 to 2023, was often perceived as a stabilising figure within the previous administration, particularly during periods when he acted as president.
Makinde’s remark — “I miss Osinbajo as VP” — has since become a rallying phrase online, sparking debates about leadership temperament, communication style, and decision-making at the highest level of government.
Political observers note that the statement is not merely nostalgic. It reflects a growing sentiment among some political elites who believe that the tone, consultative approach, and economic coordination seen during Osinbajo’s tenure feel markedly different from what is currently obtainable,Makinde says he misses Osinbajo as VP.
Context: Makinde’s Political Standing
Governor Makinde is not a fringe voice. As a two-term governor and one of the most prominent figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his views carry weight beyond Oyo State. He is often seen as a pragmatic politician who has maintained a working relationship with the federal government despite party differences.
That background makes his comments particularly significant. Analysts argue that Makinde’s statement may reflect broader unease within opposition ranks about the direction of federal governance — especially on economic management, subsidy reforms, and federal-state relations,Makinde says he misses Osinbajo as VP.
Osinbajo’s Legacy and the Comparison Question
During his time as Vice President, Osinbajo chaired key economic councils, led policy coordination efforts, and frequently engaged state governors across party lines. His calm, technocratic style earned him respect even among political opponents.
Makinde’s remarks have revived public discussion about that legacy. Some Nigerians argue that Osinbajo’s presence helped moderate internal government conflicts and reassured investors during turbulent periods,Makinde says he misses Osinbajo as VP.
However, supporters of the Tinubu administration counter that comparisons are premature. They argue that President Tinubu inherited a deeply strained economy and has taken bold — though painful — steps to stabilise public finances.
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Tinubu’s Camp and Political Reactions
As of the time of reporting, the Presidency has not issued an official response to Makinde’s comments. However, figures aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have dismissed the remarks as political posturing,Makinde says he misses Osinbajo as VP.
Several APC voices insist that Tinubu’s leadership style is intentionally firm, reform-driven, and less consensus-oriented because of the scale of Nigeria’s fiscal crisis. They maintain that difficult decisions, including fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms, require decisiveness rather than popularity.
Opposition figures, however, have seized on Makinde’s words as validation of public frustration, arguing that governance is not only about policy but also about trust, communication, and inclusion.
A Broader Political Undercurrent
Beyond the immediate controversy, Makinde’s statement points to a deeper political undercurrent ahead of future elections. As economic pressures persist, internal and external critiques of the federal government are likely to intensify.
Political analysts suggest that such remarks could signal the early shaping of opposition narratives — framing Tinubu’s administration as effective but disconnected, while invoking Osinbajo’s era as more consultative and reassuring.
What This Means Going Forward
Makinde has not called for confrontation, nor has he hinted at any formal political action. Still, his comments add to a growing chorus of elite voices questioning the federal government’s tone and approach.
For the Tinubu administration, the episode underscores the need to manage perceptions as carefully as policies. For the opposition, it offers a rhetorical foothold in shaping national debate.
In Nigeria’s charged political environment, even a single sentence can ripple far beyond its original setting. Governor Makinde’s words have done exactly that — reopening old comparisons, sharpening present critiques, and hinting at future political alignments,Makinde says he misses Osinbajo as VP.
