The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying they have worsened hardship and increased the cost of living for many Nigerians.
Makinde said the country was facing serious economic challenges, including rising food and transportation costs, inflation, hunger and widespread uncertainty about the future.
The Oyo State governor, who emerged as the APM presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, said Nigerians deserve a new direction focused on practical reforms that would directly improve their welfare.
According to Makinde, Nigeria cannot continue with policies and leadership approaches that fail to deliver meaningful relief to ordinary citizens. He argued that the country has abundant resources but must adopt policies that ensure Nigerians benefit directly from them.
He particularly criticised the impact of rising transportation costs and the difficulties faced by workers, students, traders and families, stressing the need for practical interventions to reduce the burden on citizens.
Makinde also called for reforms in the oil and gas sector, including the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the development of a transparent and fair pricing framework for petroleum products.
He said Nigerians, as citizens of an oil-producing country, should be able to benefit from the nation’s natural resources and should not be subjected to arbitrary pricing.
The APM presidential candidate further identified food security as a major priority, arguing that no country blessed with abundant resources should have millions of its citizens going to bed hungry.
He promised that, if elected president in 2027, his administration would focus on practical economic reforms, food security, transportation support, institutional reforms and policies designed to improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Makinde said his proposed agenda was aimed at resetting the country and restoring confidence in government, promising leadership based on competence, accountability, transparency and compassion.
“Our nation is hurting. Millions of Nigerians are weighed down by hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs, and uncertainty about tomorrow,” Makinde said in his acceptance speech as the APM presidential candidate.
He maintained that Nigeria has the capacity to rebuild its economy through honest leadership, discipline and practical reforms that directly address the challenges confronting citizens.
Makinde’s criticism comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the APM positioning him as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu.