Makinde Slams Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Says Simultaneous Policies Deepened Nigerians’ Hardship

Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has criticised the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the simultaneous removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira significantly worsened the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.

Makinde made the remarks on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the unveiling of the Allied Peoples Movement’s governorship, senatorial, and House of Assembly candidates. Represented by party leader, Hon. Babatunde Tijani, the governor said Nigeria urgently needs a comprehensive reset across its economy, security, and governance.

According to Makinde, while economic reforms may be necessary, the Federal Government failed to adequately protect citizens from the immediate consequences of its policy decisions. He argued that removing fuel subsidies and floating the naira at the same time placed enormous financial pressure on households already struggling with rising living costs.

He maintained that any responsible government should have introduced effective palliative measures before implementing such sweeping reforms. In his view, cushioning the impact on ordinary Nigerians should have been a priority rather than an afterthought.

Makinde also expressed concern over what he described as a decline in the quality of life and national security. He noted that many Nigerians who once felt relatively safe now face growing uncertainty, while increasing food prices and transportation costs have made it difficult for families to afford basic necessities.

The Oyo governor questioned the government’s celebration of its economic policies, insisting that the success of any reform should be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives rather than economic indicators alone. He said many Nigerians are still unable to afford three meals a day, adding that the rising cost of fuel continues to have a ripple effect across every sector of the economy.

Speaking at the same event, APM Chairman Sanyaolu Abayomi echoed Makinde’s concerns, calling on eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections. He urged citizens to support leaders committed to improving the country’s economic and security situation.

Abayomi argued that while the government has pointed to improvements in exchange rate stability, many Nigerians have yet to experience any meaningful relief. He questioned the significance of exchange rate gains when the cost of living remains high and families continue to struggle with expenses such as school fees, food, and transportation.

He stressed that major economic reforms should always be accompanied by temporary relief measures designed to shield vulnerable citizens from severe financial hardship. According to him, introducing multiple painful policies simultaneously without adequate social protection inevitably increases the burden on ordinary people.

Abayomi concluded by presenting the Allied Peoples Movement as an alternative political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges, while encouraging voters to participate actively in the democratic process by obtaining their PVCs.