…Explains Tinubu’s “voodoo economics”
The Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that if given the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s president in 2027, he will “reset” the country within four years. He said his administration would deliver a new security architecture capable of overcoming current insecurity, chart a fresh direction for education, and rebuild the economy using data, science, and logic.
Makinde made the declaration in Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the North Central Consultative Meeting of the APM. He noted that his proposed reset agenda would be executed through a transitional government of national unity that blends the experience of old and new political actors to produce a sustainable development blueprint for Nigeria.
He said: “We can reset this country and give Nigeria a new security architecture, a new path for education, and an economy driven by data, science, and logic. We can also reset our sociopolitical environment — all within four years. That is our agenda.
“As your president from May 29, 2027, we will run a transitional government of national unity that will usher in new players and a new agenda for Nigeria’s sustainable development.”
Makinde emphasized that the reset agenda is achievable within a single four year term, recalling that Nigeria once had a Head of State who, within ten months, ended military rule and ushered in the democracy the country enjoys today.
Expanding on his agenda, Makinde said his government would introduce targeted programmes for women in agriculture, market women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. He promised an inclusive development model that leaves no region, ethnicity, or social group behind.
He added: “When we reset Nigeria and reset our economy, everyone will feel the impact. The 2027 election will not be determined by pundits or posters, nor by the number of billionaires backing any candidate. It will be determined by the people of Nigeria.”
Makinde also highlighted the importance of energy and stamina in governance, recounting his travel and meeting schedule over the previous 24 hours as evidence of his capacity to serve.
The Presidential Candidate further explained his criticism of the APC led Federal Government’s economic policies, which he described as “voodoo economics.” He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy was announced without adequate planning or analysis, and that federal budgeting has lacked strategic direction and respect for due process.
Responding to claims that Oyo State depends heavily on federal allocations, Makinde noted that his administration had reduced the state’s dependence from over 80% in 2019 to about 65% in 2022. However, he said the sudden and poorly planned subsidy removal reversed much of that progress.
He added: “In Oyo State today, we have already begun preparing the 2027 budget. For seven years, we have gone round all geopolitical zones to listen to the people and include their priorities. But at the federal level, what do we see? Voodoo economics.
“Midway into 2026, the Federal Government announced new Army Divisions to tackle insecurity. I checked the 2026 budget — there was no provision for them. You cannot wake up and declare such major initiatives without proper planning.”
Makinde acknowledged that states now receive more money from the federation account but argued that the increased revenue has not translated into reduced hunger or improved living conditions.
Makinde expressed gratitude to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the state government, and the people of Nasarawa for hosting him and the APM leadership, commending them for avoiding politics of bitterness.
The consultative meeting was attended by Makinde’s running mate and former DSS Director General, Alhaji Lawal Daura; the National Chairman of APM, Alhaji Yusuff Mamman Dantale; members of the National Working Committee; APM candidates from the North Central Zone; and the APM Deputy Governorship Candidate in Oyo State, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, among others.
