RismadarVoice Reporters
October 24, 2026
Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that rising foreign reserves mean little when millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with hunger and financial hardship.
Makinde made the remarks in a video message delivered on Saturday during the launch of the Makinde and Daura for Better Nigeria (MAD) Resetter Movement in Lagos.
The governor accused the Tinubu administration of presenting improvements in official economic indicators as evidence of recovery without sufficiently addressing the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
He likened the government’s emphasis on foreign reserves to a household where the head celebrates substantial savings while family members struggle to afford food.
According to Makinde, economic progress should be assessed through improvements in living standards, employment opportunities and citizens’ ability to meet their basic needs.
He maintained that stronger financial indicators would have limited meaning unless they translated into measurable benefits for households and businesses.
The governor also expressed support for the movement’s proposed reforms in the economy, security, education and governance.
“I am with you 101 per cent towards the reset agenda for Nigeria,” he said, calling for changes across major sectors of national life.
Makinde further advocated stronger federalism and the protection of multiparty democracy, describing both principles as essential to Nigeria’s political development.
He urged the movement’s organisers to expand their activities beyond Lagos and the South-West as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
Also speaking at the event, officials of the Makinde–Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation criticised the administration’s economic record, citing unemployment, insecurity and rising living costs.
The organisation’s representatives said their campaign would focus on policy discussions and proposed solutions to national challenges rather than entertainment-driven political gatherings.
The event also featured support for APM candidates contesting elections in Lagos State, including the party’s governorship candidate, Adelaja Adeoye.
Adeoye pledged to pursue inclusive governance and urged eligible voters to participate in the electoral process without accepting financial inducements.
The campaign activities form part of the APM’s preparations for the 2027 elections, with Makinde and former Department of State Services Director-General Lawal Daura seeking the presidency and vice-presidency, respectively.
Although foreign reserves are an important indicator of a country’s external financial position, their growth does not automatically establish improvements in household income, employment or food affordability.
Makinde’s remarks reflect the continuing debate between the government and opposition parties over how Nigeria’s economic performance should be measured.
