The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the simultaneous removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have worsened the living conditions of Nigerians.
Makinde made the remarks on Monday in Abeokuta during the unveiling of the APM deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mrs Deborah Abosede Akinlade, alongside the party’s House of Assembly and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Represented by APM National Leader, Babatunde Tijani, the governor said implementing the two major economic policies at the same time, without adequate social protection measures, placed unnecessary hardship on Nigerians.
“How can a government decide to remove fuel subsidy without putting adequate cushioning measures or palliatives in place, and at the same time float the naira?” Makinde asked.
“These two policies have further made life difficult for Nigerians. No country, not even advanced nations, can conveniently implement such economic reforms simultaneously without serious consequences.”
The Oyo governor questioned the Federal Government’s assessment of its economic performance, pointing to the rising cost of living, fluctuating exchange rates and soaring fuel prices.
“How many Nigerians can still afford three square meals daily? Look at the price of fuel before and compare it with what people are paying today. They claim the exchange rate has stabilised, but it keeps moving from one level to another, yet they celebrate it as an achievement. That should not be the standard,” he said.
Makinde also expressed concern over the country’s security situation, saying many Nigerians no longer feel safe.
“Before now, people could sleep with both eyes closed, but today insecurity has become a major concern across the country,” he added.
The governor said the gathering was aimed at strengthening the APM’s presence in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections and mobilising support across the state’s local governments and wards.
“The message is clear. APM is ready to rescue Nigerians from unnecessary hardship. We want to reset the economy, improve security and provide purposeful leadership that will put the welfare of the people first,” he said.
Makinde maintained that the developmental projects executed under his administration in Oyo State demonstrated that the party possesses the capacity to deliver effective governance at the national level.
He urged party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation to secure victory in the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Chairman of the APM and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Comrade Abayomi Sanyaolu, gave the APC-led Federal Government a 35 per cent performance rating.
Sanyaolu urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and reject vote-buying during the next general elections.
“If I am to assess the current administration, I will give it just 35 per cent. Nigerians must stop exchanging their future for ₦10,000 or ₦20,000 during elections because those elected will remain in office for four or eight years,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the APM, symbolised by its cassava tuber logo, would regain political relevance in Ogun State and offer credible leadership capable of driving economic recovery.
The party’s Ogun State governorship candidate, Rotimi Babajide, also appealed to residents to support the APM, promising people-centred governance focused on agriculture, food production, job creation, quality education, improved healthcare, road infrastructure and grassroots development.
Babajide said his administration, if elected, would prioritise policies aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of the people of Ogun State.
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