Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has criticised Nigerian leaders for failing to harness the country’s abundant natural and human resources, saying the nation is rich in resources but poor in ideas.
Gatekeepers News reports that Makinde spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the unveiling of his party’s ‘Reset Nigeria’ manifesto ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said, “Nigeria has the resources and the capacity to achieve greatness. Nigeria is rich in natural resources and human resources, but our leaders are poor in ideas.”
The governor explained that the manifesto was developed through consultations with Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, including town hall meetings where citizens shared their expectations and proposed solutions to national challenges.
He said the central objective of his proposed administration would be to improve the living conditions of Nigerians, stressing that government policies must deliver tangible benefits.
“Our simple proposition is that government must make life easier for the people. That is all,” he said.
Makinde identified four major concerns behind his presidential ambition, including economic reforms that have not translated into improved welfare, weak public institutions, inadequate government accountability and rising poverty.
He argued that macroeconomic stability should be measured by its impact on ordinary Nigerians rather than economic figures alone.
“Focusing on macroeconomic reforms as against the microeconomics that focuses largely on the welfare of the people is meaningless. What is macroeconomic stability when the people are hungry?” he asked.
On the economy, the APM candidate promised to reduce the structural cost of living and doing business, particularly by addressing electricity and energy costs affecting manufacturers.
He also questioned why Nigerians should bear the burden of rising international crude oil prices without benefiting from increased government revenue.
Makinde called for greater accountability in governance, saying political promises must be linked to responsible institutions, clear implementation plans and measurable results.
He said his proposed administration would establish performance targets within its first 100 days, allowing Nigerians to assess its progress.
The governor also proposed that presidential candidates should secure at least 51 per cent of votes to win elections, arguing that the arrangement would encourage broader political cooperation.
He further advocated a transitional government of national unity and a national conference to discuss Nigeria’s political and constitutional future.
Speaking at the event, his running mate, Lawal Daura, called for an inclusive political system and warned against the suppression of opposition parties.
Daura said a strong opposition was essential to democratic governance, adding that political opponents should not be treated as enemies of the state.
He also advocated a national conversation involving different sections of society to address the country’s challenges and agree on a common direction.
