Nigeria’s Makinde accuses Tinubu of masking hunger with reserves
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement, accuses Bola Tinubu of masking Nigerians’ hunger behind the announced rise in foreign exchange reserves. At the launch of the MAD Resetter Movement in Lagos, he called for the country’s economy, security and education system to be reset, Vanguard reports.
The governor of Oyo State and Nigerian presidential candidate Seyi Makinde accused President Bola Tinubu on Saturday of using the announced rise in foreign exchange reserves to create a misleading impression of economic recovery. He denounced what he called a “political gimmick” that would, in his view, mask Nigerians’ hunger and difficulties, during the launch in Lagos of the Makinde and Daura for Better Nigeria (MAD) Resetter Movement.
Makinde compared the foreign exchange reserves argument to a head of a household boasting about his savings while family members cannot afford to eat. In his view, economic progress should be measured by improvements in living standards, young people’s access to employment and their financial independence, rather than solely by macroeconomic indicators.
The candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) called for an overhaul of the economy, security, education and the socio-political environment. He also defended a return to federalism and multi-party politics ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The position comes after Makinde’s challenge to his rivals for the 2027 presidential election on 22 October. The Oyo governor had then strengthened his position in Nigeria’s electoral race.
