Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has unveiled his 2027 presidential campaign manifesto, outlining plans to reform Nigeria’s economy, education, security and political system if elected.
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Makinde presented his manifesto, tagged the Reset Agenda, on Wednesday in Abuja, ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
At the event, the governor said his decision to contest the presidency was informed by the need to address the country’s growing challenges and restore the ideals upon which Nigeria’s founding fathers built the nation.
He argued that governance should go beyond economic policies and political promises, insisting that government must translate its programmes into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“My simple proposition is that government must make life easier for the people. We must develop people’s abilities and expand their access to opportunities. We must also have institutions that work,” he said.
The APM candidate emphasised the need for clear implementation strategies, measurable targets and strong institutions to ensure that government policies deliver the expected results.
He identified the gap between macroeconomic reforms and the everyday realities of Nigerians as one of the country’s major challenges, questioning the benefits of economic stability when citizens continue to struggle with living costs.
“For us, macroeconomic reforms must translate into improvements in people’s lives. What does macroeconomic stability mean if it does not improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians?” Makinde asked.
Makinde promises economic and electricity reforms
On the economy, the governor proposed a framework that would ensure Nigerians directly benefit from increased crude oil revenues.
He argued that additional oil earnings above government budget benchmarks should be channelled towards improving public welfare rather than remaining disconnected from the needs of citizens.
Makinde also promised to introduce measurable performance targets within the first 100 days of his administration, alongside stricter accountability in government spending.
On electricity, he called on Nigerians to demand accountability from the Federal Government over its commitment to improving power supply.
He maintained that the government must continue addressing challenges affecting electricity generation and distribution despite the provisions of the Electricity Act, which allows states and other entities to participate in the electricity market.
Proposes 51 per cent presidential election threshold
Beyond economic reforms, Makinde proposed changes to Nigeria’s electoral and political system, including a requirement that presidential candidates must secure at least 51 per cent of the votes to emerge victorious.
According to him, the proposal would encourage political parties to build wider alliances and secure broader public support before taking over the country’s leadership.
He also advocated a transitional government of national unity and a national conference where stakeholders could deliberate on Nigeria’s challenges and agree on a common direction for the country.
His running mate, Lawal Musa Daura, also raised concerns about what he described as the suppression of opposition parties, warning that weakening political opposition could undermine democratic development.
Daura maintained that a strong opposition was necessary for accountability, political stability and healthy competition, stressing the importance of providing all political parties with a level playing field.
He identified education, the economy, security and the socio-political system as the four major pillars of the Reset Agenda.
The vice-presidential candidate added that their proposed administration would place national interest above personal and political considerations.
2027 race gathers momentum
Makinde’s manifesto unveiling comes as political parties and presidential hopefuls intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the economy, insecurity, electricity supply and the rising cost of living expected to feature prominently in the campaign.
The governor’s entry into the presidential contest through the APM also introduces another political platform into the race, as candidates begin presenting their policy alternatives to Nigerians.
With his Reset Agenda, Makinde is positioning his candidacy around economic reforms, institutional accountability and changes to the country’s political structure, promising to make governance more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens.