Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has challenged the federal government to reveal the 2026 budgetary provision for expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, accusing the administration of lacking a clear financial and operational plan for the move. Speaking at the APM North-Central Town Hall Meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Makinde stated he could not locate the specific budget item for the military expansion, despite its announcement in July 2025. 'I searched the 2026 budget for the provision relating to the expansion of army divisions but could not find it,' he said, urging the government to make the details public. 'You cannot just wake up and say, without any plan, I am setting up or expanding army divisions to tackle insecurity.'
The federal government had previously announced the creation of four new Army divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, citing the need to decentralize operations, strengthen border security, and improve responses to threats. However, Makinde questioned whether the expansion was backed by a comprehensive strategy. 'There has to be a lot of planning that will go into this,' he emphasized, contrasting the federal approach with his administration’s budget preparation process in Oyo State, where consultations with geopolitical zones inform fiscal planning. 'We have started the process of preparing the 2027 budget, going around the state to listen to their priorities,' he said, highlighting his party’s focus on participatory governance.
Makinde also criticized the federal government’s handling of state revenue, arguing that increased funding to states had not alleviated hunger or improved living conditions. 'State governments were collecting more money from the Federation Account, but has it translated to fighting hunger? The answer is no,' he said. He noted that Oyo State’s dependence on federal allocations had risen from 65% in 2022 to nearly 80% in 2025, blaming the current administration’s economic policies. 'Their voodoo economy' has reversed progress made under his leadership, he claimed.
The APM candidate outlined his 'Reset Nigeria' agenda, promising a four-year transition to overhaul security, education, and economic systems. 'We can reset this country, give Nigeria a new security architecture, and a new path for development,' Makinde asserted. His party also emphasized a 'transitional government of national unity' to drive sustainable reforms. Lawal Daura, APM’s vice-presidential candidate, criticized the current administration’s 'motion without movement,' advocating for actionable governance. Yusuf Dantalle, APM national chairman, called for urgent action in the North-Central, a region he described as critical to national unity but plagued by underdevelopment.
The federal government’s 2026 budget allocated N5.41tn to defense and security, prioritizing military modernization, intelligence-driven policing, and border security. The Army expansion is scheduled in phases, with new divisions to be established by September 2026 and further reorganization by December. However, Makinde argued that without transparent funding, the initiative would fail to address insecurity. 'Successive administrations have not delivered results,' Dantalle said, urging a shift from 'the same thing' to 'something different.'
Makinde’s remarks come as the APM positions itself as an alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which faces criticism over economic and security challenges. The party’s focus on fiscal accountability, participatory budgeting, and structural reforms aims to appeal to voters disillusioned with the status quo. With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the APM’s emphasis on transparency and measurable outcomes underscores its campaign strategy.
The federal government has not publicly responded to Makinde’s demands, but the controversy highlights growing scrutiny over military spending and fiscal planning. As the debate over the 2026 budget intensifies, the APM’s push for accountability reflects broader concerns about governance and the effectiveness of public resource allocation in Nigeria.
The 2026 budget process has become a focal point for political and public discourse, with stakeholders demanding clarity on how funds will address pressing challenges. Makinde’s challenge to the government underscores the need for transparency in military expansion and fiscal policy, as Nigerians seek assurances that public resources are being used to tackle insecurity and improve livelihoods.
The APM’s critique of the federal government’s approach aligns with broader calls for systemic change, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and accountability. As the party advances its agenda, the debate over the 2026 budget will likely remain a key issue in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
Makinde’s emphasis on participatory governance and fiscal responsibility positions the APM as a contender for voters seeking alternatives to the current administration. His focus on measurable outcomes and structural reforms highlights the party’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges through transparent and inclusive policymaking.
The federal government’s handling of the Army expansion and budget transparency will be closely watched as the 2026 fiscal year progresses. Makinde’s demands for accountability reflect the growing expectation that public resources be used effectively to address insecurity and drive national development.