Presidential Candidate of the Allied People Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has promised to reset Nigeria within four years if elected president in 2027. He made this promise during the North Central Town Hall meeting of his campaign in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Makinde described himself as a "resetter" and assured that if elected, he will reset the country in four years.
Makinde's reset agenda will cover key areas such as security, education, the economy, and the socio-political environment. He believes that this agenda can be achieved in one term. According to him, a previous head of state was able to end military rule and usher in democracy within 10 months, and he is confident that his reset agenda can be accomplished within four years.
As president, Makinde plans to run a transitional government of national unity that will bring in new players and a new agenda for Nigeria's sustainable development. He aims to give Nigeria a new security architecture, a new path for education, and reset the economy using data science and logic. This, he believes, will have a positive impact on the country.
Makinde thanked Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and the government and people of the state for accommodating his team. He noted that they did not play politics with bitterness. During his interactions with various groups, including women in agriculture, market women, physically challenged women, and widows, Makinde assured them of special programmes.
However, Makinde emphasized that a general economic reset will have a broader impact, lifting everyone. He used the analogy of a rising tide lifting all boats to explain how his economic reset plans will benefit all Nigerians. According to him, the 2027 election will be decided by Nigerians, not by pundits, pollsters, or billionaires.
Makinde contrasted Oyo State's budgeting process, which involves touring geopolitical zones to get citizens' inputs, with what he described as "voodoo economics" at the federal level. He faulted the federal government's announcement of new army divisions to tackle insecurity without a plan or provision in the 2026 budget.
Makinde also noted that despite claims of more money accruing to states from the Federation Account, it has not translated to fighting hunger. He cited Oyo State's dependence on federal allocation, which rose from 65 percent in 2022 back to almost 80 percent after subsidy removal. The Oyo governor emphasized the need for effective governance, citing his own demanding schedule as an example of the energy required for the task.
Key points
- Makinde plans to run a transitional government of national unity if elected president in 2027.
- His reset agenda will cover security, education, economy, and socio-political environment.
- Makinde believes that his reset agenda can be achieved in one term.
