The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that they have worsened hardship and driven up the cost of living for Nigerians.
Call for a Comprehensive National Reset
Speaking at an event where he was represented by party leader Hon. Babatunde Tijani, Makinde said Nigeria requires a thorough reset of its economy, security, and governance structures.
He recalled a time when many Nigerians could sleep with both eyes closed, feeling relatively safe, and questioned whether that sense of security still exists today.
Impact of Fuel Subsidy Removal and Naira Float
Makinde pointed out that the removal of the fuel subsidy, coupled with the simultaneous floating of the naira, has placed extra pressure on ordinary citizens.
He argued that a responsible government should first put adequate palliative measures in place before withdrawing subsidies, rather than implementing both reforms at once and leaving the populace to bear the brunt.
“No country should introduce such far‑reaching economic policies at the same time without considering their effects on the people,” he added.
Rising Cost of Basic Necessities
The APM chieftain highlighted that the rising price of fuel and other essentials has made it difficult for many families to afford three square meals a day.
Despite government claims of economic progress, Makinde said the true measure of any policy is its impact on people’s lives, and Nigerians have yet to feel the promised relief.
APM Chairman Echoes Concerns
National Chairman of the APM, Sanyaolu Abayomi, also addressed the gathering, urging Nigerians who have not yet obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so and support leaders capable of tackling the nation’s economic and security challenges.
Abayomi noted that many families continue to struggle with school fees, feeding their children, and meeting other basic needs, even as officials claim the economy is improving.
He questioned the validity of the government’s economic‑progress claims, arguing that the benefits of the reforms have not reached ordinary Nigerians.
The APM leader called for temporary relief measures to cushion the impact of ongoing reforms while long‑term policies take effect, insisting that the welfare of the people must always come first.
APM as an Alternative Political Platform
Abayomi presented the APM as a viable alternative for Nigerians seeking a different approach to governance, urging eligible voters to secure their PVCs and back the party’s candidates in future elections.
He concluded that the country needs leaders who place the welfare and security of citizens at the centre of policy decisions.
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