Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its handling of Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Titiansloaded reports that he accused the Federal Government of repeatedly blaming inherited problems instead of presenting Nigerians with measurable improvements in living conditions.
Makinde made the remarks in his Thursday newsletter while explaining his decision to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He maintained that although successive governments inherit difficulties, elected leaders must accept responsibility for finding solutions rather than continually explaining existing problems.
The governor recalled supporting Tinubu’s emergence in 2023 because he believed the president possessed the political experience necessary to unite Nigerians.
However, he said his confidence had weakened after assessing the administration’s performance, particularly its economic policies, national cohesion and approach to governance.
Makinde identified four major concerns behind his presidential ambition, including economic stability without corresponding development and what he described as governing through excuses.
He also questioned the administration’s handling of national unity, opposition politics and economic reforms introduced without adequate protection for struggling households.
Although he acknowledged supporting petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, Makinde argued that their implementation should have included measures protecting vulnerable Nigerians.
He maintained that citizens should not have endured severe economic difficulties while waiting for government policies to produce meaningful development and improved livelihoods.
Explaining his alternative approach, Makinde said he would have used the presidential transition period to prepare Nigerians before implementing petrol subsidy removal.
He proposed consulting the National Economic Council and state governors to establish responsibilities and funding arrangements across federal, state and local governments.
Citing his administration’s response in Oyo State, the governor said additional Omituntun buses were deployed, transport fares maintained and discounted journeys introduced.
He also highlighted the Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme, which supported 200,000 vulnerable households alongside farmers and small businesses.
Makinde, who declared his presidential ambition on May 14, 2026, said Nigeria’s future and the difficulties confronting younger generations influenced his decision.
He urged voters to examine his administration’s record and proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda, insisting that his ambition should be judged through evidence rather than promises.
