Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has unveiled his manifesto ahead of the 2027 general election, promising to reduce the cost of living, strengthen public institutions and make governance more responsive to Nigerians.
Makinde presented his policy document on Wednesday, November 4, in Abuja, outlining his proposed approach to addressing the country’s economic, political, social and institutional challenges.
He said the manifesto was developed through consultations with Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, including town hall meetings where citizens were asked to identify the changes they wanted to see in the country.
Explaining the central idea behind his presidential ambition, the governor argued that Nigeria’s abundant resources had not translated into national prosperity because of poor leadership and a lack of innovative ideas.
“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,” he said.
“Our simple proposition is that government must make life easier for the people. That is all.”
Makinde identified economic reforms that have failed to improve citizens’ welfare, weak institutions and widespread poverty among the major issues his proposed administration would address.
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He maintained that economic performance should be measured by its impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly through affordable food, job opportunities, improved incomes and a lower cost of living.
The APM candidate also promised to strengthen accountability by ensuring that government commitments were tied to specific institutions, implementation plans and measurable targets that citizens could independently monitor.
On economic development, he said his administration would work to reduce the structural cost of doing business, particularly by addressing high electricity and energy costs affecting manufacturers.
He noted that businesses relying on diesel generators faced difficulties competing with companies in countries with more favourable operating conditions, forcing some Nigerian firms to relocate abroad.
Makinde also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the electricity crisis and questioned why Nigerians should bear the burden of rising international crude oil prices without corresponding benefits.
On political and constitutional reforms, he proposed a transitional government of national unity and a broader national conversation involving different sections of society.
He further pledged to establish measurable performance targets within his first 100 days in office and make his administration’s achievements available for public scrutiny.
APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, who also spoke at the event, called for stronger democratic institutions, respect for opposition parties and an inclusive national conference to determine Nigeria’s future direction.