Makinde Criticizes Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Calls for Political Realignment Ahead of 2027

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has voiced strong criticism of the economic policies introduced by the All Progressives Congress-led administration under President Bola Tinubu, describing the simultaneous removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira as a severe blow to the livelihoods of everyday Nigerians.

Speaking through Babatunde Tijani, a national leader of the Allied Peoples Movement, during a political event in Abeokuta on Monday, Makinde argued that no economy could absorb such concurrent policy shocks without robust social safety nets to cushion the impact.

The gathering served to unveil Deborah Abosede Akinlade as the APM deputy governorship candidate for Ogun State, alongside the party’s legislative candidates for the upcoming 2027 elections.

Addressing supporters, Makinde questioned the effectiveness of the administration’s fiscal strategies, pointing to persistent inflation, a soaring cost of living, and volatile exchange rates. He argued that the implementation of key economic decisions lacked sufficient palliative measures to ease public hardship, while also pointing to heightened security concerns across the country.

He urged party members and supporters in Ogun State to embark on grassroot mobilization to build a strong political platform capable of offering alternatives to current governance approaches in 2027.

Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Chairman of the APM and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Abayomi Sanyaolu, rated the performance of the federal government poorly and cautioned voters against monetary inducements during elections. Sanyaolu urged citizens to secure their Permanent Voter Cards and vote based on governance performance rather than short-term gains.

In his remarks, the APM governorship candidate for Ogun State, Rotimi Babajide, pledged that his campaign would focus on grassroots governance, agricultural development, job creation, and improvements in essential public services including healthcare and education.