Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has said Nigerians, rather than wealthy political backers or campaign spending, will determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
Makinde spoke on Monday at the APM North-Central Zonal Town Hall Meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as the party continues its nationwide engagements ahead of the election.
“This election is not going to be determined by the number of billionaires you have in your corner, or how much billion you have to spend. This election will be determined by the people of Nigeria,” he said.
The APM candidate also criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, questioning whether increased allocations to state governments had translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians.
Makinde said Oyo State’s dependence on federal allocations fell from more than 80 percent when he assumed office in 2019 to about 65 percent in 2022, but later rose to almost 80 percent following the removal of fuel subsidy. He described the Federal Government’s approach as “voodoo economics.”
On insecurity, Makinde questioned the planning and funding behind the Federal Government’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions. He said he could not identify specific provisions for the new formations in the 2026 budget.
The Presidency had announced in July that President Bola Tinubu approved the expansion, with new divisions planned for Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, to be implemented in phases through 2026.
Makinde said his “Reset Nigeria” agenda could be implemented within four years if elected. He outlined plans to reform the country’s security architecture, education system, economy and socio-political environment.
He also said his administration would begin a transitional government of national unity from May 29, 2027, with the aim of establishing what he described as “new players and a new agenda” for Nigeria’s sustainable development.
The Lafia meeting is one of a series of APM zonal town halls designed to engage citizens and stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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