Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has denied allegations made by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that President Bola Tinubu provided N50 billion to upgrade the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan. Makinde addressed supporters at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina, where he clarified the state's funding of the airport project.
According to Makinde, the Oyo State Government is entirely funding the airport upgrade project, with no financial contribution from the Federal Government. He emphasized that President Tinubu did not provide N50 billion for the project, contrary to Wike's claims. Makinde's statement was made on Tuesday, a day after Wike appeared on TVC's Journalists' Hangout programme, where he made the initial claim.
During the town hall meeting, Makinde also discussed his plans for the 2027 presidential election. He promised to obey Section 145 of the Constitution, which requires the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to perform the functions of office. Makinde vowed to follow the Constitution to the letter if elected president.
In his address, Makinde outlined several key agenda items, including establishing reliable data on out-of-school children and developing measures to return them to school. He also called for mining to be removed from the Exclusive Legislative List and devolved to the states, with the Federal Government retaining oversight. These proposals align with his vision for a more decentralized and effective governance system.
APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, also spoke at the town hall meeting, emphasizing the need for fundamental change in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region. Daura cited insecurity and poverty as major challenges facing the region and urged supporters to exercise their civic rights. He promised that details of Makinde's agenda would be unveiled as the campaign progresses.
Makinde's presidential campaign is gaining momentum, with the governor urging Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the 2027 election. He emphasized the importance of voter participation and encouraged supporters to work towards a successful election outcome. The APM campaign is focusing on key issues affecting Nigerians, including economic development, education, and security.
The development has sparked a renewed debate about the funding of infrastructure projects in Nigeria's states and the role of the Federal Government in supporting such initiatives. As the 2027 election approaches, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with various candidates and parties vying for voter support. Makinde's denial of the N50 billion allocation has raised questions about the accuracy of Wike's claims and the extent of Federal Government involvement in state-level projects.
Key points
- Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, denies receiving N50 billion from President Bola Tinubu for the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan.
- Makinde claims the Oyo State Government is entirely funding the airport upgrade project.
- The development has sparked a renewed debate about the funding of infrastructure projects in Nigeria's states and the role of the Federal Government in supporting such initiatives.
