MAKINDE PLEDGES ECONOMIC RESET, MINING DEVOLUTION
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has promised to reform Nigeria’s economy, education and security sectors if elected president in 2027.
Makinde made the pledge on Tuesday at the APM North-West Zonal Town Hall Meeting in Katsina, where he unveiled parts of his proposed “Reset Nigeria” agenda.
He said he would promote a 24-hour economy driven by skills, knowledge and increased production, while using reliable data to address the country’s out-of-school children crisis.
On mining, Makinde called for the devolution of responsibilities to state governments, with the Federal Government retaining an oversight role. He said the move could help address challenges associated with illegal mining.
He also proposed changes to the security architecture and linked the recent deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State to broader socioeconomic and security challenges.
Makinde further cited Section 145 of the Constitution in discussing presidential absence. The provision requires a president proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to perform official functions to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly; it also provides for action by the National Assembly if such a declaration is not transmitted within 21 days.
His running mate, Lawal Daura, said insecurity remained a major concern in the North-West, while APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle called for measures that would enable farmers to return to their farms and children to return to school.