•Promises new security architecture, economic overhaul
Oyo State Governor and Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that Nigeria can be “reset” within four years if given the mandate to lead the country from May 29, 2027.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, following Makinde’s address at the APM North Central Consultative Meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
According to Olanrewaju, Makinde said his proposed four-year “reset” would focus on security, education, economic transformation and the country’s socio-political environment.
Makinde, as quoted in the statement, said his administration would introduce a new security architecture, provide a fresh direction for education and build an economy driven by “data, science and logic.”
He also proposed a transitional government of national unity which, he said, would bring together experienced and emerging political actors to develop a sustainable blueprint 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,” Makinde was quoted as saying.
The governor, according to Olanrewaju, maintained that the proposed transformation could be achieved within a single four-year term, citing Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy as an example of what could be accomplished within a short period.
He also promised targeted programmes for women in agriculture, market women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, stressing that his proposed development model would cover 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 was quoted as saying.
On the economy, Olanrewaju said Makinde criticised the economic policies of the APC-led Federal Government, which he described as “voodoo economics.”
The governor faulted the manner in which the fuel subsidy was removed, arguing that the decision was not preceded by adequate planning and analysis.
He also questioned the strategic direction of federal budgeting, citing the announcement of new Army divisions to tackle insecurity in 2026.
“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,” Makinde was quoted as saying.
Olanrewaju further quoted the governor as saying that Oyo State had reduced its dependence on federal allocations from over 80 per cent in 2019 to about 65 per cent in 2022, but that the sudden removal of fuel subsidy had affected the progress.
Makinde also acknowledged that states now receive more funds from the federation account but argued that the increased revenue had yet to translate into a corresponding reduction in hunger or improvement in living conditions.
The governor thanked Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the state government and people of Nasarawa for hosting the APM leadership and commended them for what he described as avoiding politics of bitterness.
The 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 the APM Deputy Governorship Candidate in Oyo State, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, among others.
