Makinde Promises to Reset Nigeria in Four Years If Elected President

By Aliyu Oyewole

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has promised to “reset” Nigeria within four years if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Makinde made the declaration on Monday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the APM North-Central Consultative Meeting.

He said his administration would focus on restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture, reforming the education sector and rebuilding the economy through what he described as data, science and logic.

According to him, the proposed agenda would be implemented through a transitional government of national unity that would bring together experienced political actors and new entrants to develop a sustainable blueprint for the country.

Makinde said, “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 sociopolitical environment — all within four years. That is our agenda.

“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.”

The governor argued that four years would be sufficient to lay a new foundation for Nigeria, recalling that the country had previously transitioned from military rule to democratic governance within a relatively short period.

He also promised targeted intervention programmes for women in agriculture, market women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Makinde said his proposed development model would be inclusive and ensure that no region, ethnic group or social category was left behind.

“When we reset Nigeria and reset our economy, everyone will feel the impact,” he said.

He added that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be determined by Nigerian voters rather than political pundits, campaign posters or wealthy backers.

“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 governor also defended his capacity to govern, highlighting his demanding schedule and recent travels as evidence of his energy and stamina for public office.

Makinde attacks FG’s economic policies

Makinde renewed his criticism of the economic policies of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, describing them as “voodoo economics.”

He particularly faulted the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that it was implemented without what he considered adequate planning and analysis.

He also criticised the Federal Government’s budgeting and planning processes, saying major policy decisions should be backed by proper financial provisions.

“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.

Makinde also questioned the Federal Government’s decision to establish new Army divisions to tackle insecurity, claiming that he checked the 2026 budget and found no provision for the initiative.

“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.

Claims Oyo reduced reliance on federal allocations

Responding to claims that Oyo State remains heavily dependent on federal allocations, Makinde said his administration had reduced the state’s dependence on federation revenue.

He said the state’s dependence had fallen from more than 80 per cent in 2019 to about 65 per cent in 2022.

However, he argued that the removal of fuel subsidy without adequate planning subsequently reversed some of the progress.

Makinde acknowledged that states currently receive increased allocations from the federation account but argued that the additional revenue had not sufficiently translated into lower hunger levels or improved living conditions for Nigerians.

The governor thanked the Nasarawa State Government and residents for hosting the APM delegation, commending what he described as the state’s avoidance of bitter politics.

The meeting was attended by Makinde’s running mate and former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; APM National Chairman, 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, Muftau Open Salawu, among others.