2027: Makinde Faults Tinubu’s Budget Implementation, Promises to Reset Nigeria

APM presidential candidate questions federal budget performance, pledges inclusive economic reforms and prioritises infrastructure, education and security.

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over its budget implementation, promising to reset Nigeria’s economy if elected president in 2027.

Makinde spoke on Thursday at an APM town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, where he questioned which national budget the Federal Government was currently implementing.

“Tinubu’s administration right now, we don’t know which budget they are even operating on for Nigeria. Is it the 2023, 2024 or 2026 budget?” he asked.

The Oyo governor contrasted the Federal Government’s budget performance with that of his administration, claiming that Oyo State’s performance had improved from between 28 and 30 per cent before he assumed office to more than 70 per cent under his leadership.

Makinde also challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate the energy required to manage the demands of the presidency, saying leadership should be assessed beyond age.

He argued that Nigeria needed a leader capable of handling the country’s economic, security and developmental challenges.

“While I will not make age an issue of this campaign, I will make energy an issue,” he said.

Demonstrating his agility at the event, Makinde challenged other presidential contenders to perform a similar jump, arguing that the presidency requires stamina to withstand its demanding responsibilities.

Promises Inclusive Economic Reforms

Presenting his proposed Reset Nigeria agenda, Makinde said his administration would pursue economic development that benefits Nigerians across regions, political affiliations and social backgrounds.

He rejected what he described as “turn-by-turn nepotism,” arguing that national resources and opportunities should not be concentrated among a privileged few or distributed solely on the basis of regional and political loyalty.

The APM candidate identified infrastructure, education and security as key priorities, adding that natural resources alone could not guarantee prosperity without adequate investment in knowledge, skills and human development.

He also said his proposed policies would address the concerns of young people and women while ensuring that no section of the country was left behind.

Defends Presidential Ambition

Makinde defended his decision to contest the presidency despite the South-West producing the incumbent president.

He cited the 1999 presidential election, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Finance Minister Olu Falae, both from the South-West, contested against each other.

According to him, the region’s presentation of two presidential candidates at the time demonstrated that Nigerians could choose between candidates from the same geopolitical zone.

APM Leadership Backs Makinde

Earlier, APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle described the party as an alternative for Nigerians facing rising living costs, insecurity and economic difficulties.

Dantalle questioned the continued burden of high petrol prices on Nigerians despite the country’s status as a major oil producer. He also questioned the effectiveness of compulsory SIM card registration in tackling kidnapping and banditry.

He urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for addressing the country’s challenges, insisting that national development should transcend religion, language and party affiliation.

Similarly, the party’s national leader and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed confidence in Makinde’s presidential ambition, describing him as a candidate with the experience and energy to pursue the party’s proposed reforms.

Mohammed also urged party members to remain committed to the campaign and resist alleged attempts to destabilise the party.

The town hall meeting forms part of the APM’s political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.