Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has declared that Nigeria needs a complete national reset rather than the continuation of conventional reforms to address its economic, security and governance challenges. Makinde made the remarks on Sunday during a live political programme on Jay FM 101.9 in Jos, Plateau State, ahead of the party’s presidential campaign activities. He argued that reforms were insufficient because the country’s existing problems had become too deeply rooted to be resolved through minor adjustments to the current system. According to him, reforms are appropriate when a system has a strong foundation that requires improvement, but where its weaknesses outweigh its strengths, a more fundamental change becomes necessary. He maintained that Nigeria possesses the resources and potential to become a leading Black nation but requires a different approach to leadership, governance and national development to achieve that ambition.Speaking on his proposed economic agenda, Makinde identified improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians as the central measure of economic progress. He argued that government performance should not be judged exclusively by foreign reserves, inflation figures or World Bank statistics, but by whether citizens can afford food, transportation, housing and other basic necessities. He said his proposed administration would prioritise skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, educational development and increased domestic production while creating an environment where businesses could expand and generate employment. On insecurity, the governor advocated decentralising the country’s security architecture through the introduction of state police, explaining that states should be allowed to establish their own police formations when they are adequately prepared and appropriate safeguards are in place. He acknowledged concerns that governors could misuse state police to intimidate political opponents and citizens but insisted that accountability mechanisms and proper oversight could reduce such risks. He also cited the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, as an example of regional security cooperation.Makinde further stressed the importance of investing in education, recalling the free education policy introduced by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which he described as an important example of how public investment could transform future generations. He argued that education should be treated as a long-term investment capable of developing skilled professionals and strengthening the economy. The governor also warned that Nigeria’s growing youthful population could become a source of social instability if adequate employment opportunities, education and economic pathways were not provided. Reflecting on his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oyo State, he maintained that government decisions should be guided by scientific evidence, data and the practical realities of citizens, particularly those who depend on daily earnings for survival. He concluded that transparency and accountability would be essential elements of his proposed national reset, promising to communicate honestly with Nigerians about the country’s challenges and ensure public resources are managed in the interest of citizens. His proposals form part of the APM’s broader Reset Nigeria agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
