Seyi Makinde faults Tinubu’s economic reforms, says hardship on Nigerians worsening

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have deepened hardship and increased the cost of living for many Nigerians.

Makinde, represented by Hon. Babatunde Tijani, spoke on Monday during the unveiling of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship, senatorial and House of Assembly candidates in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The governor said Nigeria needs a comprehensive reset of its economy, security structure and governance system, stressing that reforms should not be implemented without measures to protect ordinary citizens.

According to him, the Federal Government should have prioritised the welfare of Nigerians before introducing policies that have significantly affected household incomes and businesses.

“We must reset Nigeria in every aspect — the economy, security and the general well-being of our people. A government should not introduce painful economic policies without adequate relief measures for citizens,” he said.

Makinde argued that implementing fuel subsidy removal and naira floating at the same time placed enormous pressure on families and businesses across the country.

“No country should carry out such far-reaching economic policies simultaneously without carefully considering the consequences on the people,” he added.

The governor lamented the rising cost of living, saying many Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities.

“Today, many families struggle to feed, pay school fees and meet other essential needs. The increase in fuel prices has affected virtually every sector of the economy,” he said.

Makinde also questioned the government’s celebration of the reforms, insisting that the true test of any economic policy is its impact on the lives of citizens.

“The expected relief has not been felt by ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

Speaking at the event, APM chairman Sanyaolu Abayomi urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support leaders capable of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

Abayomi said government policies should always place the welfare of citizens first and argued that Nigerians had yet to feel the benefits of the administration’s economic measures.

He also questioned the government’s claim of exchange rate stability, saying improvements in the value of the naira had not translated into better living conditions for the people.

Abayomi described the APM as a credible alternative platform ahead of the 2027 elections and appealed to voters to support the party’s candidates.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Nigeria and National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Comrade Sunday Oginni, said the opposition coalition was formed to offer Ogun residents a credible alternative to the existing political order.

Oginni said the coalition includes the APM, NNPP, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and other parties committed to changing the political narrative in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged residents not to allow money to influence their electoral choices and warned against what he described as attempts by external political interests to dominate Ogun politics.