The 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 made the statement on Monday at the APM North-Central Zonal Town Hall Meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he presented his “Reset Nigeria” agenda.
The Oyo State governor said the election would not be decided by political pundits, opinion polls or the financial resources available to candidates, The News Edition reports.
“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.
Makinde Criticises Federal Government’s Economic Policies
Makinde also criticised the Federal Government’s economic management, describing its approach as “voodoo economics.”
He questioned whether the increased revenue received by state governments from the Federation Account had translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians.
According to him, despite the higher allocations, many Nigerians continue to struggle with hunger and economic hardship.
“They claim we have more money, that the state governors, the state government have been collecting more money from the Federation Account. I’m not arguing with that. Yes, the quantum of the money, yes, we have more money, but has it translated to fighting hunger in our society? The answer is no,” he said.
The APM candidate also discussed Oyo State’s reliance on federal allocations, saying the state’s dependence had declined from over 80 per cent when he assumed office in 2019 to 65 per cent in 2022. However, he said it later rose to nearly 80 per cent following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
APM Candidate Questions Military Expansion Plans
On national security, Makinde questioned the planning and budgetary provisions for the Federal Government’s proposed additional army divisions.
He said he had examined the 2026 budget for allocations relating to the establishment of the divisions but could not find the relevant provisions.
Makinde argued that addressing insecurity required adequate planning, funding and preparation rather than decisions made without sufficient groundwork.
Makinde Unveils Four-Year ‘Reset Nigeria’ Agenda
The APM presidential candidate said his proposed “Reset Nigeria” agenda could be implemented within four years if he wins the 2027 election.
He outlined four major areas of focus: security, education, economic management and the country’s socio-political environment.
According to Makinde, his proposed administration would introduce a new security architecture, establish a new direction for education, apply data and science to economic management, and reform the country’s socio-political environment.
“Reset and give Nigeria a new security architecture, reset and give Nigeria a new path for education, reset our economy utilising data, science, and logic, and reset our socio-political environment in four years. That is our agenda,” he said.
Makinde further said that, if elected, his administration would begin a transitional government of national unity on May 29, 2027.
He said the transition would lead to what he described as “new players and a new agenda for Nigeria’s sustainable development.”
The Lafia meeting was part of the APM’s zonal engagements ahead of the 2027 presidential election, during which the party is presenting its policy proposals and engaging with supporters across the country.