Makinde presents 2027 reform platform and promises stronger powers for states

Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate Seyi Makinde has unveiled a programme for Nigeria’s 2027 election built around economic reform, education, security and changes to governance. Speaking at a North-West zonal town hall meeting in Katsina, the Oyo State governor called the programme the “Reset Nigeria Agenda”. He said sustainable development would require issue-based politics and leadership committed to constitutional democracy.

Makinde said the economy should become more productive and competitive through investment in skills and knowledge, alongside round-the-clock economic activity. On education, he promised to address the number of out-of-school children through reliable data and targeted interventions. He described the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State as a national tragedy and said governments should address the causes of insecurity rather than focus only on enforcement.

He proposed giving state governments responsibility for mining while the Federal Government retained regulatory oversight. Makinde also promised to transfer more powers to the states. He criticized President Bola Tinubu’s reported “working leave”, citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, and said he would formally transfer power to the Vice President whenever he was unavailable or on vacation.

He disputed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike’s reported claim that the Federal Government provided ₦50 billion for Ibadan Airport’s upgrade, saying the Oyo State Government was financing the project. Makinde urged voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and said he would campaign across the North-West. His running mate, former Department of State Services Director-General Lawal Musa Daura, called insecurity the region’s greatest challenge.

Daura said the party would pursue alternative strategies to reduce violence and would soon publish wider policy proposals.