The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign organisation in Oyo State has launched a sharp critique against Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of misrepresenting the impact of federal allocations on state development. The campaign, led by Sharafadeen Alli, condemned Makinde’s recent comments that increased funding to states had not alleviated hunger, calling the governor “clueless” and an “embarrassment” to Oyo State. Makinde, who is also the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made the remarks during a town hall meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Monday, 2026, sparking immediate backlash from the APC campaign team.
Makinde’s comments focused on the disparity between federal funding and tangible improvements in living conditions. He stated that while state governments received more money from the Federation Account, hunger remained a persistent issue. “Yes, the quantum of the money, yes, we have more money, but has it translated to fighting hunger in our society? The answer is no,” he said. The governor also highlighted a shift in Oyo State’s reliance on federal allocations, noting that the state’s dependence had dropped from over 80% in 2019 to 65% in 2022 before rising again to nearly 80% due to federal economic policies he labeled “voodoo economics.”
The APC campaign organisation, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, responded by accusing Makinde of failing to address Oyo’s economic challenges despite the state’s record funding. Oladele stated, “If you have acknowledged that monthly, you have been getting more money from the Federation Account, who are you expecting to come and help you to fight hunger in your state? Is it President Tinubu?” The campaign organisation argued that the increased allocations were a result of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and placed the onus on state governments to use the funds effectively. It further criticized Makinde for opposing local government autonomy, alleging that his administration had stifled the independence of Oyo’s 33 local government councils.
Oyo State’s financial data underscores the scale of federal support. In its 2025 budget, the state projected N293 billion in direct Federation Account allocations, with total recurrent revenue estimated at N436 billion. By the end of the third quarter of 2025, Oyo had already received N265 billion in statutory and other FAAC-related revenue, representing 62.7% of its revised annual target of N423 billion. This included N71 billion in statutory allocation, N83.92 billion in other FAAC receipts, and N110.20 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT). The trend continued into 2026, with Oyo receiving N21.17 billion in net FAAC allocation in January—up 55% year-on-year from N13.68 billion in January 2025, according to a Nairametrics report.
The APC campaign organisation emphasized that the surge in federal funding should translate into improved public services and reduced hunger. It questioned why Oyo, despite its financial gains, still faced significant food insecurity. “It is an embarrassment for failing to address hunger in Oyo State despite increased funds from the federation account, Makinde has shown that he is more than clueless,” the statement read. The organisation also highlighted Makinde’s alleged suppression of local governance, arguing that his policies had hindered the autonomy of Oyo’s local councils, which could have better addressed grassroots challenges.
Makinde’s criticism of federal economic policies has drawn further scrutiny. He described the federal government’s approach as “voodoo economics,” a term often used to describe policies perceived as ineffective or based on unproven theories. The APC campaign team dismissed this as a deflective tactic, asserting that the governor’s focus on blaming federal policies ignored his own record of mismanagement. “Makinde’s comments reflect poor governance and a lack of accountability,” Oladele said. “The responsibility for addressing hunger and underdevelopment lies with state leadership, not federal policies.”
The debate over federal allocations has broader implications for Nigeria’s fiscal federalism. The Federation Account, which distributes revenue from oil and non-oil sources to states, has seen a sharp increase in recent years. In June 2026 alone, states received N759.14 billion, with the three tiers of government collectively receiving N3.40 trillion. Between January and June 2026, gross FAAC revenue totaled N18.72 trillion, with N12.59 trillion distributed after deductions. These figures highlight the growing financial power of states, but also the pressure to use funds transparently and effectively.
Critics argue that the APC campaign’s response risks politicizing the issue of hunger, which remains a pressing national concern. While Oyo’s funding has risen, the state’s poverty rate and food insecurity levels remain high. The campaign organisation’s accusations against Makinde have intensified the political rivalry between the APC and APM, with both parties vying for influence in the 2027 governorship race. Analysts note that the dispute reflects deeper tensions over resource allocation and governance in Nigeria’s federal system.
The APC campaign’s focus on Makinde’s “cluelessness” has also drawn attention to the governor’s leadership style. Since taking office in 2019, Makinde has faced criticism for his handling of public services, including healthcare and infrastructure. His administration’s reliance on federal funds has been a point of contention, with opponents arguing that it has discouraged state-led economic initiatives. The APC campaign’s statement accused Makinde of fostering a culture of dependency, which it claims has undermined Oyo’s long-term development.
Public interest groups have called for greater transparency in how Oyo State uses its federal allocations. The state’s 2025 budget, which allocated N293 billion to direct FAAC receipts, has been scrutinized for its lack of detailed spending plans. Advocacy organizations have urged the government to publish quarterly reports on the utilization of these funds, ensuring accountability to taxpayers. “The people of Oyo deserve clarity on how their money is being spent,” said a spokesperson for a local civic group.
The controversy has also reignited discussions about the role of federal economic policies in state development. While Makinde attributes Oyo’s challenges to “voodoo economics,” supporters of President Tinubu’s reforms argue that the increased funding is a direct result of his administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy. The APC campaign has leveraged this narrative to position itself as a champion of fiscal responsibility, contrasting its approach with Makinde’s alleged mismanagement.
As the 2027 governorship race intensifies, the clash between the APC and APM over federal allocations underscores the high stakes of Nigeria’s political landscape. The debate over how states use federal funds will likely remain a central issue, with implications for governance, public trust, and economic growth. For now, the conflict between Makinde and the APC campaign highlights the ongoing struggle to balance federal support with state accountability.
The APC campaign organisation’s critique of Makinde reflects broader concerns about leadership and fiscal stewardship in Oyo State. While the governor’s comments have drawn sharp rebukes, they also underscore the challenges of translating increased funding into tangible improvements for citizens. As Oyo continues to navigate its economic trajectory, the pressure on its leadership to demonstrate effective governance will only grow.
The dispute over federal allocations and state responsibility is emblematic of Nigeria’s complex federal system, where the interplay between national policies and local implementation shapes public outcomes. The APC campaign’s accusations against Makinde, coupled with the state’s financial data, highlight the need for transparency, accountability, and a clear roadmap for development. Whether these issues will be resolved remains to be seen, but the conversation has already intensified the political discourse in Oyo and beyond.
The ongoing debate between the APC and APM over federal funding and governance has significant implications for Nigeria’s political future. As both parties prepare for the 2027 elections, the focus on fiscal responsibility and state management will likely define their campaigns. For now, the clash over Makinde’s remarks serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s federal structure and the urgent need for effective leadership.
The APC campaign organisation’s response to Makinde’s comments has intensified the political rivalry in Oyo State, with both sides leveraging the issue to rally support. The governor’s criticism of federal policies and the campaign’s accusations of mismanagement have created a polarized environment, reflecting the high stakes of the upcoming elections. As the debate continues, the people of Oyo will be watching closely to see how their leaders address the state’s economic and social challenges.
The controversy over federal allocations and state governance in Oyo State underscores the critical role of transparency and accountability in public administration. While the APC campaign has accused Makinde of failing to address hunger despite increased funding, the governor’s defenders argue that the challenges are systemic and require coordinated efforts. The resolution of this dispute will depend on the ability of Oyo’s leadership to demonstrate effective use of resources and deliver tangible benefits to its citizens.
The APC campaign organisation’s critique of Governor Seyi Makinde highlights the growing tensions between state and federal authorities in Nigeria. As the 2027 governorship race approaches, the focus on fiscal policies and governance will remain central to the political discourse. The outcome of this debate will not only shape Oyo State’s future but also set a precedent for how federal-state relations are managed across the country.
The clash between the APC and APM over federal allocations and governance in Oyo State reflects the broader challenges of Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. The debate over how to use increased funding to address hunger and underdevelopment will continue to shape the national conversation, with implications for leadership, accountability, and public trust. As the 2027 elections draw near, the stakes for Oyo’s residents and the nation as a whole have never been higher.