Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has stated that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by Nigerians and not by the financial strength of political parties or their candidates. Makinde made this statement in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, during the North-Central leg of his zonal town hall engagements ahead of the 2027 polls. This engagement is part of a series of events scheduled across the six geopolitical zones.
Makinde's statement appears to be directed at President Bola Tinubu, who is the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor emphasized that neither opinion polls, political calculations, nor the number of wealthy individuals backing a party would determine who wins the election. He stressed that voters would have the final say in the 2027 election. Makinde's comments reflect his campaign's focus on engaging with citizens and promoting a different approach to governance.
Makinde shared his experience in Oyo State, where he has engaged citizens in the process of governance, citing the ongoing preparations for the state's 2027 budget. Over the past seven years, the Oyo State Government has consulted residents across its geopolitical zones to determine their priorities for inclusion in the annual budget. This approach has allowed the state to address the needs and concerns of its citizens effectively.
However, Makinde questioned the Federal Government's planning for the expansion of army divisions to tackle insecurity. He expressed concern that there was no corresponding budgetary provision for the initiative in the 2026 budget. Makinde argued that effective governance requires careful planning and that initiatives like this should be grounded in a clear plan with allocated resources.
The APM candidate also expressed disappointment that increased revenue accruing to state governments had not translated into an improvement in living conditions, particularly in addressing hunger. He noted that Oyo State's dependence on federal allocation had fluctuated, attributing this to what he described as the Federal Government's "voodoo economy." Makinde's comments reflect his concerns about the current state of governance in Nigeria.
Makinde outlined his "Reset Nigeria" agenda, which he believes can be implemented within four years. The agenda includes a new security architecture, improved education, an economy driven by data, science, and logic, and a reset of the country's socio-political environment. He also emphasized his commitment to running a transitional government of national unity aimed at producing "new players and a new agenda for Nigeria's sustainable development" if elected president on May 29, 2027.
Makinde's running mate, Alhaji Lawal Daura, and APM's National Chairman, Mr. Yusuf Dantalle, also spoke at the engagement. They praised the turnout and emphasized the party's commitment to delivering measurable improvements in governance. Dantalle urged Nigerians to examine Makinde's record in Oyo State as a basis for assessing his claims about governance and to participate in the party's "Nigeria First Project" ahead of the 2027 election.
Key points
- The 2027 presidential election outcome will be determined by Nigerians, not by the financial strength of parties or candidates.
