2027: Makinde calls for economic, security ‘reset’ at campaign group launch

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for a reset in Nigeria’s economy, security architecture, and education system, questioning the country’s economic gains as many citizens struggle to feed their families.

Mr Makinde made the remarks in a video message played on Saturday at the launch of the Makinde-Daura Resetter Movement in Ikeja, Lagos.

“I am with you 101 per cent towards the Reset Agenda for Nigeria. We need to reset our economy. We need to reset our security architecture. We need to reset our educational system,” he said.

He questioned the benefits of rising foreign reserves when many Nigerians could barely afford basic necessities.

Using a household analogy, Mr Makinde said it made little sense for a family head to boast about savings while household members went hungry.

He said economic progress should improve living conditions and give young Nigerians the opportunity to pursue their aspirations.

Martins James, director of media for the Progressive Youths for Makinde’s Presidency 2027 (PYFMP2027), stated that the programme was intended to prepare supporters to take the movement’s message to communities across Lagos and other parts of the country.

The group had earlier unveiled its “MAD Resetter” campaign in Lagos. At the time, its members expressed confidence that the proposed ticket would defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr James noted that the 2027 election would give Nigerians an opportunity to choose a different direction for the country.

“The 2027 election will provide Nigerians with an opportunity to choose a new direction for the country and embrace a leadership agenda centred on development, accountability, economic opportunity and a better quality of life,” he said.

He described a “MAD Resetter” as a supporter committed to political change and improved governance, adding that the campaign would focus on policies rather than political divisions.

Emmanuel Dennis, director of volunteers, support and special interest groups at the Makinde and Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation, said rising fuel and electricity costs, insecurity, unemployment and the high cost of living were among the issues driving the movement.

He criticised the National Assembly, describing it as a rubber stamp, and questioned the role of the courts in resolving electoral disputes.

Mr Dennis said the movement would concentrate on grassroots mobilisation and issue-based campaigns rather than rallies focused on entertainment. He said “MAD” stood for “Make a Difference with Makinde and Daura”.

In a goodwill message, Laja Adeoye, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Lagos State, urged residents to use their permanent voter cards to hold elected officials accountable.

He also warned voters against exchanging their votes for money, saying such payments would not compensate them for four years of poor governance.

Osi Iwenekhai, national coordinator of the Reset Agents Network, urged young people to participate in the 2027 elections. He said Mr Makinde had shown the commitment needed to monitor government projects.

Former Minister of Aviation Hassan Felix Hyat also criticised the federal government’s economic policies, citing hunger, unemployment and insecurity as persistent challenges.

He said Nigeria’s resources should translate into better living conditions for more citizens.

The organisers said they planned to expand the movement’s network across the country ahead of the 2027 election.