Omanghana
Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate Seyi Makinde has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that they have increased hardship and placed excessive pressure on ordinary Nigerians.
Makinde delivered the message on Monday, August 3, 2026, during the unveiling of the APM’s legislative and deputy governorship candidates in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He was represented at the ceremony by party leader Hon. Babatunde Tijani.
The governor accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of failing to provide adequate protection for citizens affected by major economic reforms.
He described the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as a “double blow” to public welfare, arguing that implementing both policies simultaneously created a severe economic shock.
According to Makinde, reforms of such magnitude should have been accompanied by strong social protection programs to help households manage rising transportation, food and living costs.
He maintained that the absence of meaningful safety nets had forced millions of Nigerians to bear the immediate consequences of policies intended to deliver long-term economic changes.
Makinde also called for a comprehensive reset of Nigeria’s economy, security system and governance structure. He argued that widespread poverty, stagnant economic opportunities and persistent insecurity showed the need for a different approach to national leadership.
The APM candidate said his party intended to create a country where people could earn a decent living and “sleep with two eyes closed” without fear of violence or economic uncertainty.
Turning his attention to the 2027 general elections, Makinde cautioned Nigerians against selling their votes for temporary financial rewards.
“We should stop the issue of exchanging our birthright for ₦10,000 or ₦20,000,” he said. “If you collect ₦20,000 for your vote, they will use four or eight years on the throne.”
He urged voters to consider the long-term consequences of their electoral decisions and support candidates based on competence, integrity and credible policy proposals.
Makinde also appealed for support for the APM, describing its cassava-tuber logo as a symbol of food security, agricultural productivity and grassroots economic recovery.
He said agriculture would occupy an important place in the party’s plan to tackle hunger, create employment and rebuild local economies across the country.
As political activity ahead of the 2027 elections intensifies, Makinde and the APM leadership are expanding their campaign structures in several states, including Oyo and Lagos.
The party is positioning itself as an alternative to the APC and is expected to campaign on economic recovery, improved security and governance reforms.
The Presidency has rejected growing opposition criticism, maintaining that Tinubu remains focused on implementing policies designed to achieve sustainable economic growth and long-term national transformation.
Source: Omanghana
