The Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that if given the opportunity to lead the nation in the 2027 presidential election, he will fully reset Nigeria within a single four-year term.
Addressing delegates at the North Central Consultative Meeting of the APM in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Makinde heavily criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the national fiscal crisis, describing its policies as “voodoo economics” that rely on hasty declarations rather than sound planning.
He promised that a new administration under his leadership would replace haphazard governance with an actionable strategy built on data, science, and cold logic.
A Four-Year Agenda for the 2027 Presidential Election
Outlining his vision in Lafia, Makinde explained that his proposed reset agenda would be executed through a transitional government of national unity. This administration, he noted, would combine the institutional experience of seasoned actors with fresh political figures to craft a sustainable development blueprint for the country.
He 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.”
Makinde emphasised that achieving a complete structural overhaul within four years is entirely feasible. To support his position, he recalled how a previous Nigerian Head of State ended military rule and ushered in the current democratic dispensation within a swift ten-month timeframe.
Targeted Support Beyond Political Pundits and Money
Expanding on his policy commitments, Makinde promised an inclusive social development model that targets vulnerable groups across every geopolitical zone. His administration, he noted, would introduce structured interventions for women in agriculture, market traders, and persons living with disabilities.
He added: “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.”
To demonstrate his physical readiness for the demands of the presidency, Makinde pointed to his rigorous meeting and travel schedule across the country over the preceding 24 hours as evidence of his stamina and capacity to govern.
Tackling Voodoo Economics and Budgetary Disconnects
Turning his attention to the current national administration, the Oyo Governor offered a detailed breakdown of what he views as structural failures in the APC-led Federal Government. He cited the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy—announced without adequate transitional planning or economic impact assessments—as a prime example of “voodoo economics”.
The Governor revealed that Oyo State had successfully cut its reliance on the federation account from over 80% in 2019 to roughly 65% by 2022. However, he noted that the sudden removal of the subsidy reversed those gains, forcing state reliance back up.
He added: “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.
“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 acknowledged that while state governments currently collect higher monthly revenues from the federation account following recent fiscal adjustments, those increased allocations have failed to translate into reduced hunger or improved living standards for ordinary citizens.
Building Broad Coalitions Under the Allied Peoples Movement
During the North Central gathering, Makinde expressed his sincere appreciation to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, alongside the government and residents of Nasarawa State, for hosting the consultative session and demonstrating a welcome politics free from bitterness.
The high-level political meeting drew key executive members of the Allied Peoples Movement, including Makinde’s presidential running mate and former DSS Director General, Alhaji Lawal Daura. Also present were the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuff Mamman Dantale, members of the National Working Committee, APM political candidates from across the North Central geopolitical zone, and the party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in Oyo State, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu.
