Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has demanded that President Bola Tinubu disclose the 2026 budgetary provision for the federal government’s planned expansion of Army divisions, accusing the administration of lacking adequate financial and operational planning to tackle persistent insecurity. Speaking at the APM North-Central Town Hall Meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Monday, Makinde emphasized that announcing military reforms without clear funding mechanisms would fail to address the country’s security crises, particularly in the North-Central region. "If they have it in the budget that they prepared for 2026, let them bring it out," he said, questioning the feasibility of expanding military formations without concrete financial backing.",
The federal government recently proposed the establishment and expansion of military units as part of its response to security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and organized crime. Makinde argued that such initiatives require not only funding but also community consultation and operational strategies. He contrasted this with Oyo State’s approach, where his administration had initiated consultations with residents across the state’s geopolitical zones to inform its 2027 budget planning. "The consultations were designed to identify the needs and priorities of residents before finalizing spending plans," he explained, highlighting a contrast with the federal government’s top-down approach.",
Makinde also raised concerns about the federal government’s economic policies, questioning whether increased state allocations from the Federation Account had translated into improved living conditions. He noted that Oyo State, which relied on federal funding for over 80% of its revenue when he took office in 2019, had reduced this dependence to 65% by 2022. However, he claimed the figure had since risen to nearly 80% due to what he termed the federal government’s "voodoo economy." "The resultant effect is that today Oyo State is back to almost 80% dependence on federal allocation," he said, criticizing the administration’s fiscal management.",
The APM candidate outlined his party’s proposed "Reset Nigeria" agenda, which he claimed could be implemented within four years if elected. The plan focuses on security, education, economic reform, and socio-political development. Makinde drew a parallel to the 10-month tenure of a former head of state who ended military rule and ushered in democracy, suggesting that a similar transformative approach was possible. "The reset agenda can be completed in four years," he stated, adding that an APM government would establish a Transitional Government of National Unity from 29 May 2027 to drive sustainable development.",
APM Vice-Presidential Candidate Lawal Daura described the party’s agenda as a response to Nigerians’ demand for tangible improvements. "We don’t need to say that, for quite some time, people have been given the opportunity to rule this nation without really having an idea of how to fix it," he said. Daura emphasized the need for "motion with movement" to address poverty and insecurity, citing sincerity, commitment, and results as core principles of the APM’s approach.",
APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle highlighted the North-Central region’s significance to Nigeria’s unity and development, while criticizing insecurity and poor infrastructure. He urged voters to assess Makinde’s gubernatorial record as a test of the party’s presidential candidate. "Oyo State is your laboratory to evaluate the capability of our presidential candidates," Dantalle said, stressing the need for accountability on issues like electricity supply and petrol costs.",
The APM leaders used the town hall meeting to present their policies and engage with supporters in the North-Central ahead of the 2027 elections. Dantalle outlined the party’s vision for a new security architecture, education reforms, and an economy driven by data, science, and logic. The event underscored the party’s focus on grassroots engagement and policy transparency as key pillars of its campaign strategy.",
Makinde’s remarks come amid broader debates over Nigeria’s security and economic challenges. The federal government’s military expansion plans have faced scrutiny for their lack of clear funding and community consultation, while state governments like Oyo continue to grapple with fiscal dependencies. Critics argue that without structural reforms, Nigeria’s security and economic crises will persist, with the 2027 elections serving as a critical juncture for policy direction.",
The APM’s emphasis on transparency and accountability aligns with growing public demand for measurable progress. However, the party faces the challenge of proving its capacity to deliver on promises, particularly in a political landscape marked by skepticism toward new initiatives. Makinde’s call for budgetary disclosure reflects a broader push for fiscal responsibility, which could resonate with voters disillusioned by perceived inefficiencies in governance.",
As the 2027 elections approach, the APM’s focus on security and economic reset positions it as a contender for addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges. The party’s ability to translate its agenda into actionable policies will be pivotal in determining its electoral prospects. Meanwhile, the federal government’s response to Makinde’s demands could shape the narrative around military spending and fiscal accountability in the lead-up to the next administration.",
The debate over Nigeria’s security and economic future underscores the high stakes of the 2027 elections. With rising concerns about insecurity, poverty, and governance, the policies of emerging political players like the APM will be closely watched. Makinde’s challenge to Tinubu highlights the growing expectation for transparency and accountability, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political trajectory.",
The APM’s engagement in the North-Central region reflects its strategy to build a broad coalition of support. By addressing local concerns and emphasizing national reforms, the party aims to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party. The town hall meeting in Lafia marked a key step in this effort, with leaders leveraging grassroots interactions to strengthen their campaign narrative.",
As Nigeria navigates its complex security and economic landscape, the calls for transparency and accountability from figures like Makinde signal a shift in public expectations. The 2027 elections will test whether these demands can translate into meaningful policy changes, with the APM’s agenda serving as a focal point for the country’s aspirations for progress and stability.