Makinde Criticises Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Rallies Support for APM Ahead of 2027

The Governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the simultaneous removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as decisions that have worsened the hardship faced by Nigerians.

Makinde made the remarks on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the unveiling of the APM deputy governorship candidate, Mrs Deborah Abosede Akinlade, alongside the party’s House of Assembly and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Represented by APM national leader, Mr Babatunde Tijani, the governor argued that implementing both policies at the same time placed enormous pressure on the economy without providing adequate relief measures for citizens.

He said no country, including advanced economies, could conveniently withstand such sweeping reforms without first introducing effective palliatives to cushion their impact.

Makinde questioned the Federal Government’s claims that the economy had stabilised, pointing to rising fuel prices, fluctuating exchange rates and the increasing cost of living across the country.

According to him, many Nigerians now struggle to afford basic necessities, while insecurity has also continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.

He said the objective of the party’s mobilisation campaign was to convince Nigerians that the APM offers a credible alternative capable of restoring economic stability, improving security and rebuilding public confidence in governance.

Makinde maintained that the developmental achievements recorded in Oyo State demonstrated the party’s capacity to provide effective leadership at the national level.

He urged party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that Nigeria requires a comprehensive reset to address its economic and security challenges.

Also speaking at the event, Ogun State APM Chairman and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Comrade Abayomi Sanyaolu, criticised the performance of the APC-led Federal Government, giving the administration a score of 35 percent.

Sanyaolu urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and ensure they collected their Permanent Voter Cards to participate in the next elections.

The party’s Ogun State governorship candidate, Rotimi Babajide, also appealed to residents to support the APM, promising policies focused on food production, employment creation, quality education, improved healthcare, road infrastructure and grassroots development if elected into office.