Susan Abayomi
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has questioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged interference in opposition parties, asking why a ruling party with 31 governors would be concerned about political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the remarks at the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) South-West town hall meeting held at The Dome in Akure, Ondo State, where he called for a more inclusive, transparent and results-oriented approach to governance.
“You have 31 governors and you’re still afraid. Why use a backdoor to cause problems for the opposition?” he asked.
Although the governor did not mention President Bola Tinubu by name, his comments appeared directed at the President and the ruling party amid preparations for the 2027 elections.
Makinde argued that Nigeria needed fundamental changes to its political and governance systems to address economic hardship, insecurity, poverty and infrastructure deficits.
Describing himself as a reset agent, he urged political leaders to focus on practical solutions to the country’s challenges rather than political attacks and rhetoric.
He also criticised what he described as “turn-by-turn nepotism”, advocating a system that serves Nigerians across different regions and backgrounds.
According to the governor, his proposed Reset Nigeria agenda would prioritise four areas: education, security, economic productivity and the socio-political environment.
He said the initiative was intended to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities, reduce poverty and promote inclusive development.
Meanwhile, the APM governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Haruna Yunusa Saeed Kajuru, has unveiled a 10-point policy agenda aimed at addressing insecurity, poverty, educational challenges and governance concerns in the state ahead of the 2027 election.
Kajuru presented the Reset Kaduna 2027 Agenda during an engagement with party leaders, journalists and members of the public in Kaduna, where he formally declared his intention to contest the governorship.
He said the state required a significant shift in governance, stressing that policies capable of improving residents’ lives should take precedence over political rhetoric.
The proposed agenda covers security, poverty reduction, education and skills development, civil service reform, effective local government administration, agricultural development, healthcare, environmental sustainability, urban and rural development, social inclusion and investment mobilisation.
Kajuru also pledged to promote peaceful coexistence among Kaduna’s diverse communities, arguing that inclusive governance and recognition of different groups’ interests were important to building public confidence and supporting development.
Adopting the campaign slogan, “Free Votes for Good Governance,” he urged residents to reject vote-buying and vote-selling, insisting that electoral decisions should be based on candidates’ competence, integrity and commitment to public service.
The candidate said his ambition was not driven by financial inducements or expectations of personal gain from political office.
He also expressed concern about voter apathy, particularly among sections of the elite and privileged members of society, warning that low participation could increase the influence of vote-buying networks during elections.
He therefore called on eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process and exercise their right to choose their leaders.
Kajuru recalled that he contested the Kaduna governorship election in 2011 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), describing his renewed ambition as a continuation of his interest in public service.
He further linked his proposals to the broader Reset Nigeria 2027 movement, which advocates a Government of National Unity, tax relief for businesses, restructuring, true federalism and data-driven governance.
According to him, the Reset Kaduna agenda would guide his campaign, with emphasis on improving security, expanding economic opportunities, reforming public institutions and promoting inclusive development.
As political parties prepare for the 2027 elections, the proposals outlined by Makinde and Kajuru place governance reforms, economic recovery, security and electoral integrity among the issues being raised in opposition political discussions.
