Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), has criticised Nigeria’s political leadership, saying the country’s development challenges stem from a lack of ideas rather than insufficient resources.
Makinde made the remarks on Wednesday, in Abuja while unveiling his manifesto for the 2027 presidential election.
“Nigeria has the resources and the capacity to achieve greatness. Nigeria is rich in natural resources and human resources, but our leaders are poor in ideas,” he said.
The Oyo State governor presented his manifesto as a blueprint for addressing Nigeria’s economic, political, social and institutional challenges.
He explained that the document was developed through extensive consultations with Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, including town hall meetings where citizens shared their expectations and concerns.
Makinde identifies four major concerns
The APM presidential candidate identified four fundamental concerns driving his decision to contest the presidency.
They include the disconnect between macroeconomic reforms and citizens’ welfare, weak public institutions, widespread poverty and the need for stronger accountability in government.
He argued that economic stability should translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives, including affordable food, job creation, improved incomes and a lower cost of living.
“Our simple proposition is that government must make life easier for the people. That is all,” Makinde said.
He maintained that economic progress should not be measured solely by financial indicators but by its impact on ordinary Nigerians.
Candidate promises economic reforms, improved living conditions
Makinde said his proposed administration would prioritise reducing the structural cost of living by lowering production costs and creating a more favourable operating environment for Nigerian businesses.
He identified high electricity and energy costs as major obstacles to industrial growth, noting that businesses dependent on diesel-powered generators struggle to compete with companies operating in countries with more affordable power.
He also expressed concern that some Nigerian businesses were relocating abroad because of the country’s challenging business environment.
On rising petroleum prices, Makinde questioned why Nigerians should continue bearing the burden of increasing international crude oil prices without receiving corresponding economic benefits.
He further criticised the Federal Government for shifting responsibility to state governments over persistent electricity challenges.
The governor recalled President Bola Tinubu’s promise to improve electricity supply and insisted that Nigerians should hold the Federal Government accountable for delivering on its commitments.
Makinde proposes government of national unity
On political reforms, Makinde argued that Nigeria’s current electoral arrangement could produce presidents without sufficient support from the majority of citizens.
He warned that such an arrangement could encourage political compromises capable of weakening democratic institutions.
He proposed a transitional government of national unity that would bring together representatives of different sections of the country to discuss and agree on the nation’s political and constitutional future.
Makinde also pledged that an APM-led Federal Government would establish measurable performance targets within its first 100 days in office.
He said citizens would be able to scrutinise the administration’s achievements against clearly defined commitments.
Daura calls for inclusive governance
Also speaking at the manifesto unveiling, APM vice-presidential candidate Lawal Daura said Nigeria’s democracy required peace, security, political stability, economic prosperity and respect for democratic rights.
Daura warned against attempts to suppress opposition parties, describing a strong opposition as essential to reducing political tensions and strengthening democratic governance.
He argued that opposition parties should be regarded as partners in the democratic process rather than enemies of the government.
The former official also advocated a national conference involving government representatives, political parties and other stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s challenges and agree on a common direction.
Meanwhile, Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Chairman Sadiq Gombe, who attended the event, described Makinde as a prominent opposition figure and commended Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for his contributions to democratic governance.
APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle urged Nigerians to resist attempts to use state institutions to undermine democracy.
He also raised concerns about worsening insecurity, saying Nigerians could no longer carry out their daily activities without fear of kidnapping, including within the Federal Capital Territory.
