Makinde Outlines 'Reset' Agenda at Lagos Launch
Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and current Governor of Oyo State, has pledged to overhaul Nigeria’s economy, security architecture, educational system, and socio-political environment if elected president in the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made these commitments on Saturday during the launch of the Makinde-Daura Resetter Movement in Lagos. He urged Nigerians to support his presidential bid alongside that of his running mate, stating that the proposed agenda would prioritize improving citizen welfare, creating opportunities for young people, and ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in living conditions.
“We need to reset the agenda for Nigeria’s economy. We need to reset our security architecture. We need to reset our educational system, and we also need to reset the socio-political environment,” Makinde said during the event.
Critique of Current Economic Indicators
During his address, Makinded questioned the correlation between rising foreign reserves and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. He likened the current economic situation to a household that possesses substantial savings but whose members remain hungry, suggesting a disconnect between national financial metrics and daily realities.
Felix Hassan Hyat, the Director-General of the Makinde Campaign Organisation, supported this critique by challenging the effectiveness of Federal Government economic policies. Hyat argued that the success of such policies should be measured by their direct impact on citizens rather than macroeconomic indicators alone.
Hyat cited specific hardships faced by Nigerians as evidence that current policies are failing the populace. He pointed to graduates struggling to secure employment, parents finding it difficult to provide for their children, and communities contending with banditry and kidnappings.
Despite these challenges, Hyat maintained that Nigeria possesses sufficient resources to achieve prosperity. He attributed the nation’s development difficulties to governance issues rather than blaming previous administrations, specifically referencing the term of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Call for Grassroots Mobilization and Electoral Reform
Makinde used the platform to call for a broadening of political support beyond his home region. He urged supporters to extend the movement’s reach from Lagos and the South-West to other geopolitical zones, expressing optimism that a “new Nigeria” could emerge by May 29, 2027.
Hyat also addressed electoral integrity, calling for credible elections in the upcoming cycle. Drawing on his experience monitoring elections in Ghana, he noted that security personnel in that country allowed voters to exercise their franchise without interference, implying a standard for Nigerian elections.
Laja Adeoye, the APM’s Lagos State governorship candidate, joined the launch by promising an inclusive administration. She stated that the movement is focused on building grassroots support rather than relying on social media publicity to gain traction.