2027: Stop using backdoor to cause crisis for opposition parties, Makinde warns APC
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is also the presidential candidate for the Allied People’s Movement (APM), cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government against undermining opposition parties, emphasizing that a functioning democracy cannot exist under a one-party system. He made these remarks during the APM South-West Town Hall Meeting held in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, where he introduced his RESET agenda.
Makinde’s agenda prioritizes economic productivity and aims to create pathways for Nigerians to escape poverty. He highlighted the significance of federalism and multi-party democracy, reflecting on the efforts of Nigeria’s founding leaders to establish these principles. He criticized what he viewed as deliberate actions to stifle opposition parties.
“Our forefathers worked diligently to establish federalism and multi-party democracy. It is perplexing that a ruling party, with 31 governors and most instruments of coercion, feels threatened and prevents opposition from thriving,” he stated.
He pointed to Oyo State as a model of political openness he wishes to see adopted nationwide. “In Oyo State, the political environment is open to all, regardless of party affiliation. We urge the federal government to cease its covert efforts to create crises for opposition parties; true democracy cannot flourish under a one-party system,” Makinde asserted.
As part of his economic reform proposals, Makinde outlined his vision for the RESET agenda, stating that it should leverage productive economic activities rather than rely solely on federal allocations. He expressed that a more dynamic economy would provide various avenues to uplift citizens from poverty.
“The RESET agenda envisions a Nigeria where federal allocations remain supplementary rather than primary. As we enhance productivity, we can create numerous pathways for our citizens to achieve prosperity,” he said.
Makinde also reiterated his position at a recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, advocating for policies that support productivity and urging leaders to tax individuals based on their prosperity instead of their poverty. “I have always maintained that we should promote productivity. When people are prosperous, we should tax their prosperity, not their poverty. Essentially, the RESET agenda seeks to prioritize taxing prosperity over poverty,” he concluded.
