The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has reaffirmed his commitment to resetting Nigeria through a comprehensive development agenda focused on education, security, entrepreneurship and economic expansion.
Makinde stated this on Tuesday during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the South-South geopolitical zone held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The APM candidate assured residents of the region that his administration would address the challenges of environmental pollution, poverty and poor living conditions, particularly in oil-producing communities that continue to face significant developmental challenges despite their contribution to the nation’s revenue.
He outlined four major pillars of the APM Reset Agenda, identifying education, security, entrepreneurship development and economic expansion as critical areas requiring urgent attention.
According to him, the agenda is designed to improve access to education, tackle insecurity and militancy, expand the middle class, create economic opportunities and promote sustainable national development.
Makinde also stressed the need to address the growing number of out-of-school children, noting that investment in education remains essential to Nigeria’s social, political and economic progress.
On taxation, the governor criticised the Federal Government’s proposed tax policies, arguing that the tax burden should be directed towards wealth rather than poverty.
He maintained that economic policies must reflect the realities facing ordinary Nigerians, particularly those struggling with rising living costs and declining purchasing power.
The APM presidential candidate further called for an expansion of the Nigerian economy to accommodate businesses of different sizes and encourage broader participation in national development.
He argued that the current administration had fallen short of public expectations and called for a stronger federal system that would allow states and local governments to exercise greater autonomy.
“We also need to improve the practice of federalism rather than continue with a unitary system under the guise of democracy,” Makinde said.
He also accused the Federal Government of concentrating resources that should benefit the three tiers of government, insisting that funds allocated to states and local governments must be used to address the needs of the people.
Makinde expressed concern over what he described as the diversion of public funds into questionable projects and infrastructure initiatives that fail to deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.
On fuel pricing, the APM candidate questioned the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s fuel price modulation policy, arguing that Nigerians deserved a transparent and sustainable approach to petroleum pricing.
“What are they modulating that is not working?” he queried, while calling for policies that would ease the economic burden on Nigerians.
He also accused the ruling party of pursuing political interests at the expense of the South-South region and other parts of the country.
Makinde urged residents of the region and Nigerians at large to participate actively in the 2027 general elections, stressing that the polls would provide an opportunity for citizens to determine the country’s future direction.
He expressed confidence that the APM could make significant political gains through massive voter participation, calling on Nigerians to take the forthcoming elections seriously.
The governor reiterated that his proposed Reset Agenda was aimed at rebuilding the economy, strengthening democratic federalism, improving security and creating opportunities for Nigerians across all regions.
