The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that he can reposition Nigeria within four years if elected president in the 2027 general election.
Makinde made the declaration in Lafia, Nasarawa State, at the APM North-Central Consultative Meeting, where he outlined his proposed policy direction for the country, with emphasis on security, education, economic management and inclusive governance.
He said his administration would introduce a new security architecture, pursue reforms in education and rebuild the economy through the application of data, science and logic.
“We can reset this country and give Nigeria a new security architecture, a new path for education, and an economy driven by data, science, and logic. We can also reset our socio-political environment, all within four years. That is our agenda,” he said.
Makinde said the proposed administration would operate as a transitional government of national unity, bringing together experienced and emerging political actors to develop a sustainable development framework for the country.
“As your president from May 29, 2027, we will run a transitional government of national unity that will usher in new players and a new agenda for Nigeria’s sustainable development,” he said.
The governor said the task was achievable within a single four-year tenure, recalling Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance.
He also promised targeted interventions for women in agriculture, market women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, saying his administration would pursue an inclusive development model that would accommodate all regions and social groups.
“When we reset Nigeria and reset our economy, everyone will feel the impact. The 2027 election will not be determined by pundits or posters, nor by the number of billionaires backing any candidate. It will be determined by the people of Nigeria,” Makinde said.
The Oyo governor also criticised the economic policies of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, describing them as “voodoo economics” and faulting what he described as inadequate planning and strategic direction.
He particularly questioned the budgetary planning behind the Federal Government’s decision to establish additional Army divisions to address insecurity.
“Midway into 2026, the Federal Government announced new Army Divisions to tackle insecurity. I checked the 2026 budget, there was no provision for them. You cannot wake up and declare such major initiatives without proper planning,” he said.
Makinde also faulted the implementation of the fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the policy was announced without adequate planning and analysis.
On Oyo State’s finances, he said his administration had reduced the state’s dependence on federal allocations from more than 80 per cent in 2019 to about 65 per cent in 2022.
He, however, argued that the removal of the fuel subsidy subsequently reversed some of the gains recorded by the state.
“In Oyo State today, we have already begun preparing the 2027 budget. For seven years, we have gone round all geopolitical zones to listen to the people and include their priorities. But at the federal level, what do we see? Voodoo economics,” he said.
The governor acknowledged that states currently receive increased allocations from the Federation Account but argued that the additional revenue had yet to translate into commensurate improvements in living conditions.
“Yes, they claim that state governments are collecting more money from the Federation Account. I’m not arguing with that. Yes, in terms of the totality of the money, we have more money, but has it translated to fighting hunger in our society? The answer is no,” he said.
Makinde also highlighted the demands of national leadership, recounting his engagements and travels over the preceding 24 hours as evidence of the stamina required to govern the country.
The consultative meeting was attended by Makinde’s running mate and former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Alhaji Lawal Daura; APM National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuff Mamman Dantale; members of the party’s National Working Committee; APM candidates from the North-Central zone and other party leaders.
Makinde expressed appreciation to the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the state government and the people of the state for hosting the APM leadership and participants at the meeting.
