By Thompson Yamput
The recent exposure of some of the secrecy and insincerity of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) seems to have unsettled the government, as it tries to deny it with all vigour, as displayed by the spokesperson of the Presidency, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The APM presidential candidate, known for his bravery and truthfulness, did not mince words when he spoke truth to the government, especially as it relates to the wellbeing of Nigerian citizens and the development of the country as a whole.
As a successful engineer and businessman who made his fortune through engineering contracts, particularly in Port Harcourt, Gov. Makinde outrightly accused the Federal Government of denying the 36 states the accrued dividends from the NLNG proceeds.
He alleged that each state is entitled to a dividend of N250bn, but the government has refused to disburse it simply because of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Makinde, who has not only established himself as a formidable political figure in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole, was only telling the ruling APC to do the right thing and not deny states their legitimate rights and resources that could help transform the lives of citizens and the economies of the states and Nigeria as a whole.
Although Onanuga tried to cover up the truth by claiming that Makinde’s figures didn’t add up, Makinde’s boldness and sincerity have made him more popular. It has strengthened his acceptance as one leader that could help deal a devastating blow to the corruption that has strangulated the country and prevented it from moving forward over the years.
Many Nigerians are celebrating Makinde’s boldness for the disclosure of the rot in the government.
Just as he won the Oyo State governorship at his first attempt and secured a second term, political pundits are of the view that such superlative achievements may repeat themselves with his presidential ambition in 2027.
More glaring is the firepower in his speeches while addressing his supporters and Nigerian citizens on what he has in stock for them and the ailing economy of Nigeria. He doesn’t mince words but always says it as it is.
In Uyo on Tuesday, Makinde made another serious pledge to Nigerians – eradicating militancy in the Niger Delta to allow for purposeful growth and development of the region.
Speaking at the APM town hall meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Makinde also pledged to reset Nigeria’s economy and tackle poverty.
“As the APM presidential candidate, I am assuring the South-South people of Nigeria that the issue of militancy will, by God’s grace, be a thing of the past when elected into office.
“The APM, if elected into power in 2027, will reset the economy through a public-private partnership arrangement to reduce poverty in the country.
“My administration will protect the poor by redirecting the tax system to the rich in the society. The reset agenda I have will ensure that the issue of militancy is solved completely.
“We will reset our economy. We will no longer keep waiting for handouts that they call federal allocation,” he said.
This could be said to be the undiluted and frank talk of a man who has the country and the people at heart and is very determined and committed to seeing its realisation. No wonder he is pushing his campaign with the dignity and respect it deserves.
No wonder Chief Felix Hassan Hyat, the Director-General (DG) of the Makinde Presidential Campaign Council, strongly called on Nigerians to support his (Makinde’s) presidential ambition.
Hyat, the former Minister of State, Ministry of Aviation, during late President Musa Yar’Adua, argued that Nigeria is in dire need of a change in leadership to address its numerous challenges.
The DG had, in different fora, expressed confidence that the APM campaign would succeed in the January 16, 2027, presidential election and urged Nigerians not to lose hope or despair.
He stated, “Shame to political leaders who have abandoned their communities while claiming to represent the interests of Nigerians.
“I believe the 2027 election will demonstrate that the country belongs to its citizens.”
Nevertheless, political pundits are of the view that the influence of incumbency, party structures, financial resources and established political alliances cannot be ignored in the 2027 general election.
Makinde, a Trojan horse, is one daunting aspirant seeking to challenge and defeat a sitting president in the midst of those realities while building a national support base beyond his immediate political stronghold.
– Thompson Yamput, a veteran journalist and a Political Analyst, writes from Abuja.
