2027: I Will Reset Nigeria In Four Years — Makinde

Seyi Makinde, the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, has pledged to "reset Nigeria" within four years if elected president in 2027. During a town hall meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Makinde emphasized that his campaign would focus on security, education, the economy and socio-political environment, asserting that he can achieve this in a single term. He drew parallels to the 10-month tenure of a former head of state who ended military rule and facilitated democracy.

Makinde outlined his vision for Nigeria, asserting that the reset agenda could be completed in four years – an assertion supported by the fact that a former head of state managed to end military rule within a short period. He proposed a transitional government of national unity, aimed at creating a new path for Nigeria's sustainable development. This includes a renewed security architecture, a revamped educational system, and a transformed economy, utilizing data science and logic.

Makinde also expressed gratitude to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and the entire state government for their warm hospitality. He assured the women groups, including those in agriculture, market women, physically challenged women, and widows, that they would be the focus of special programmes. However, he emphasized that a comprehensive economic reset would benefit everyone, stating, "When the tide is high, all the boats will rise."

The governor made it clear that the 2027 election would be determined by the Nigerian people, not by external influencers such as pundits, pollsters, or billionaires. He argued that effective governance requires considerable energy, citing his own non-stop schedule over the past 24 hours as proof. Makinde also criticized the federal government's approach to security, highlighting the lack of budgetary provision for the newly announced divisions.

He also pointed out the discrepancy between the increased money accruing to states from the Federation Account and the persistent challenge of hunger in the country. He noted that Oyo State's dependence on federal allocation rose slightly from 65 percent to almost 80 percent after the removal of subsidies, indicating that increased federal funds have not translated into tangible improvements in addressing hunger.