The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has criticised Nigeria’s political leadership, accusing successive governments of failing to turn the country’s abundant natural and human resources into economic prosperity.
Makinde described Nigeria as blessed with enormous resources but held back by lack of innovative ideas, poor leadership and weak institutions.
He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja while unveiling his party’s manifesto ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The Oyo State governor said Nigeria’s development challenges were largely caused by leadership failures and policies that prioritise economic statistics over the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
“Nigeria has the resources and the capacity to achieve greatness. Nigeria is rich in natural and human resources, but our leaders are poor in ideas,” he said.
Makinde explained that his proposed Reset Agenda was developed after consultations and town hall meetings across the six geopolitical zones, where Nigerians expressed their expectations and concerns about the country’s future.
He identified four major reasons for his decision to contest the presidency: failure to promote inclusive economic growth while pursuing macroeconomic reforms, lack of accountability in government, weak public institutions and exclusion of millions of poor Nigerians from critical policy decisions.
According to him, economic reforms should go beyond favourable figures and produce tangible improvements in citizens’ lives through affordable food, jobs, higher incomes and reduced cost of living.
“Macroeconomic stability must have a direct impact on the people through job creation, improved incomes and a lower cost of living,” he said.
The APM presidential candidate maintained that government officials must be willing to take responsibility for their decisions, including successes and failures.
On economic development, Makinde said his administration would prioritise reducing cost of production, improving electricity supply and creating a business-friendly environment to encourage investment.
He expressed concern that manufacturers who depend on diesel generators face high production costs, forcing some to consider relocating to neighbouring countries.
He also questioned why Nigerians should continue to suffer the consequences of rising international crude oil prices without enjoying the benefits of increased earnings from petroleum exports.
He proposed a transparent revenue management system that would ensure additional oil revenue above government’s budget benchmark translates into direct benefits for citizens.
On the power sector, the governor criticised the Federal Government for transferring responsibility for electricity supply to states while retaining control over critical national assets.
He promised to accelerate reforms and hold government accountable for providing reliable electricity.
Makinde further proposed constitutional and political reforms, including a requirement that presidential candidates must secure at least 50 per cent plus one of total votes cast to win.
He argued that such arrangement would encourage candidates to build wider alliances across ethnic, religious and political divides.
He also advocated a transitional government of national unity, adding that he would not personally benefit from any constitutional arrangements introduced under the proposed reforms.
On governance, Makinde promised measurable performance targets, with clear benchmarks to assess progress within the first 100 days in office.
He urged Nigerians to examine the APM’s Reset Agenda and demand accountability rather than accept promises without measurable results.
“We will tell Nigerians the truth. We will not make empty promises or engage in political theatrics. If we fail, Nigerians should hold us accountable,” he said.
