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 a country blessed with enormous resources but held back by a lack of innovative ideas, poor leadership and weak institutions.
He made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja while unveiling his party’s manifesto ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State governor said Nigeria’s development challenges were largely caused by leadership failures and government 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 resources and human resources, but our leaders are poor in ideas,” he said.
Makinde explained that his proposed Reset Agenda was developed following consultations and town hall meetings across the six geopolitical zones, where Nigerians expressed their expectations, concerns and hopes for the country’s future.
He identified four major issues responsible for his decision to contest the presidency. These include the failure to promote inclusive economic growth while pursuing macroeconomic reforms, lack of accountability in government, weak public institutions and the exclusion of millions of poor Nigerians from important policy decisions.
According to him, economic reforms should go beyond favourable economic figures and produce tangible improvements in the lives of citizens through affordable food, employment opportunities, higher incomes and a reduction in the cost of living.
He stressed that macroeconomic stability would only be meaningful if Nigerians could experience its benefits in their daily lives.
“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 also maintained that government officials must be willing to take responsibility for their decisions, including their successes and failures.
On economic development, Makinde said his administration would prioritise reducing the cost of production, improving electricity supply and creating a business-friendly environment that would encourage investment and economic growth.
He expressed concern that manufacturers who depend on diesel-powered generators to operate were facing high production expenses, forcing some businesses to consider relocating to neighbouring countries where operating costs are lower.
Makinde also questioned why Nigerians should continue to suffer the consequences of rising international crude oil prices without enjoying the benefits of increased government earnings from petroleum exports.
He proposed a transparent revenue management system that would ensure additional oil revenue generated above the government’s budget benchmark translates into direct benefits for Nigerians.
On the power sector, the governor criticised the Federal Government for transferring responsibility for electricity supply to state governments while retaining control over critical national electricity assets.
He promised to accelerate reforms in the sector, insisting that the government must be held accountable for its commitment to providing Nigerians with 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 the total votes cast to emerge victorious in an election.
He argued that such an arrangement would encourage political candidates to build wider alliances and seek support across ethnic, religious and political divides.
The APM candidate also advocated the establishment of a transitional government of national unity, adding that he would not personally benefit from any constitutional or political arrangements introduced under the proposed reforms.
Speaking on his administration’s approach to governance, Makinde promised to introduce measurable performance targets, with clear benchmarks to assess progress within the first 100 days in office.
He urged Nigerians to carefully examine the APM’s Reset Agenda and demand accountability from political leaders rather than accepting political promises without measurable results.
Makinde assured Nigerians that his proposed government would prioritise honesty, transparency and effective leadership, insisting that he would not make promises that could not be fulfilled.
“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.
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