Makinde tells South-West to reject deceit politics ahead of 2027

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged Nigerians, and the South-West in particular, to reject what he called politics of deceit and nepotism as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.

Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), spoke on Thursday at a town hall meeting with party supporters and chieftains in Akure, Ondo State. The event was held at The Dome, according to The Sun.

He said Nigeria needs a fundamental change in how it is governed to tackle economic hardship, insecurity, poverty and weak infrastructure. He described himself as a "reset agent" and asked political leaders to offer workable solutions rather than attacks and deception.

What the Reset Nigeria plan covers

Makinde said his Reset Nigeria agenda would focus on four areas: education, security, economic productivity and the socio-political environment.

He argued that the country must move away from depending on federal allocations and build a productive economy with several revenue streams. He also called for reforms to education so Nigerians gain skills that lead to jobs, and for a review of the security architecture so economic activity is not disrupted.

"We want a Nigeria that works for everybody. It is not a Nigeria that works for very few," he said, adding that he does not want "turn-by-turn nepotism" where projects go to one zone because it is somebody's turn.

On why he is running when the South-West already holds the presidency, Makinde pointed to 1999, when Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae, both Yoruba, contested against each other. He said the region presented two of its finest for Nigeria to choose from, and that the outcome was decided by the whole country, not the South-West alone.

He also criticised what he described as waste of public money, citing a report of Nigeria's permanent representative at the United Nations presenting the UN budget to the President in Abuja. He said he does not accept that taxpayers' money should fund such a trip while it is unclear which national budget the administration is running.

Makinde said budget performance in Oyo State has risen from about 28 to 30 per cent to over 70 per cent in the past seven years, with budgets running from January to December.

He also criticised attempts to undermine opposition parties, saying democracy cannot thrive without a level playing field. "You have 31 governors and you are still afraid," he said.

The APM candidate asked Nigerians to support his bid so the country can work for everyone.

What happens next

The 2027 elections are still ahead, and Makinde's town hall is part of early campaigning across the South-West. Whether his message on nepotism and economic reform wins support will depend on how voters weigh it against the records of the ruling party and other contenders.