Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, has challenged the Federal Government to produce the 2026 budgetary provision for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions. Makinde questioned the planning and funding of the move amid worsening insecurity in the North-Central. He made these comments at the APM North-Central Town Hall Meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The Federal Government had announced the expansion of the Nigerian Army in July, with new divisions approved for Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. The Presidency stated that the expansion aimed to decentralize operational decision-making, strengthen border security, and improve the military's response to emerging threats. However, Makinde said he could not find the provision relating to the expansion of the Army divisions in the 2026 budget.
Makinde argued that expanding military formations without clearly identified funding and planning would not adequately address insecurity. He contrasted the Federal Government's approach with the budget preparation process in Oyo State, where his administration had begun preparations for the 2027 budget through consultations across the state. Makinde emphasized the need for proper planning to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu's 2026 budget speech allocated N5.41 trillion to defense and security, prioritizing modernization of the Armed Forces, intelligence-driven policing, border security, and technology-enabled surveillance. The Presidency stated that the Army expansion would be implemented in phases, with the establishment of new divisions and reorganization of existing formations scheduled for completion by September and December 2026.
Makinde also questioned whether increased revenue accruing to state governments had translated into relief for Nigerians, particularly in the face of hunger. He stated that despite increased revenue, the state governments' dependence on federal allocation had not decreased. The Oyo governor claimed that his administration had reduced the state's dependence on federal allocation after assuming office in 2019.
The APM candidate outlined his proposed "Reset Nigeria" agenda, promising to introduce a new security architecture if elected president in 2027. He stated that his administration would run a transitional government of national unity, culminating in new players and a new agenda for Nigeria's sustainable development. Makinde emphasized that the reset agenda could be completed in four years.
Lawal Daura, APM vice-presidential candidate, said the party was seeking to offer Nigerians a different approach to governance, particularly on insecurity and poverty. Yusuf Dantalle, APM national chairman, identified insecurity as one of the major challenges facing the North-Central, while criticizing the state of infrastructure in the region.
Key points
- Seyi Makinde challenges the Federal Government to produce the 2026 budgetary provision for the expansion of the Nigerian Army.
- Makinde questions the planning and funding of the move amid worsening insecurity in the North-Central.
- The APM candidate outlines his proposed "Reset Nigeria" agenda, promising a new security architecture if elected president in 2027.
