By Ayomide Otitoju
The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has unveiled his “Reset Nigeria Agenda,” outlining proposed reforms in the economy, education, security and governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Makinde spoke at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidency North-West Zonal Town Hall Meeting in Katsina, where he said Nigeria could achieve sustainable development through issue-based politics and leadership committed to constitutional democracy.
He outlined four key pillars of his proposed administration, saying the economy would be made more productive and competitive through investment in skills and knowledge, as well as round-the-clock economic activities.
On education, Makinde pledged to address the challenge of out-of-school children through reliable data and targeted interventions.
On security, the APM candidate described the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State as a national tragedy and said governments should address the root causes of insecurity rather than focus solely on enforcement.
He advocated devolving mining responsibilities to state governments while retaining regulatory oversight at the federal level.
Makinde also proposed devolving more powers to the states as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s socio-political system and improve governance and service delivery.
The governor criticised President Bola Tinubu’s reported “working leave,” arguing that the Constitution requires the President to transmit power to the Vice President when proceeding on vacation or becoming unable to discharge the functions of office.
Citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, Makinde pledged to comply with the provision if elected president.
“I will follow the Constitution to the letter. Whenever I am unavailable or on vacation, I will transmit power to the Vice President. Record this and hold me accountable,” he said.
Makinde also disputed claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that the Federal Government provided ₦50 billion for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport, saying the project was being financed entirely by the Oyo State Government.
The APM presidential candidate urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support his political movement, saying the 2027 election would be “APC versus Nigerians.”
He said he would return to Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Zamfara and Jigawa as part of a state-by-state campaign tour.
Also speaking, APM vice-presidential candidate and former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Musa Daura, identified insecurity as the region’s major challenge.
Daura said an APM-led administration would adopt alternative strategies to tackle insecurity, reduce violence and restore peace across the country.
He added that the party would soon unveil comprehensive policy proposals aimed at changing the national mindset and delivering reforms for Nigerians.
