Seyi Makinde unveils Reset Nigeria agenda, pledging power decentralisation and economic reforms

Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and governor of Oyo State, presented the party’s Reset Nigeria manifesto in Abuja on 4 November 2026. Speaking at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hotels and Suites, Makinde said the nation is rich in natural and human resources but suffers from leaders who lack ideas. He argued that the current centrally‑controlled power system is ineffective and that states should be empowered to generate and distribute electricity to spur development.

Makinde’s address also touched on broader economic and security issues. He pledged to lower the cost of living and the cost of doing business, describing electricity as the top priority for economic revival. The candidate promised a transitional government of national unity that would restructure the country so states could control their resources, and he vowed not to disappoint Nigerians regardless of the challenges.

Background

The Reset Nigeria agenda is built on four pillars: resetting the economy, restructuring the security architecture, reforming education and resetting the socio‑political system. Makinde highlighted that Nigeria’s wealth in oil, minerals and a youthful population is undermined by poor governance. He cited the need for institutions capable of bridging regional differences rather than allowing judicial rivalry to hinder development. The manifesto was reportedly shaped through town‑hall meetings across all geopolitical zones, reflecting public input on the nation’s direction.

In addition to power reforms, Makinde said he would not return fuel subsidies but would price crude for Nigerian refineries in naira rather than dollars, aiming for greater transparency in fuel pricing. He also emphasized that taxation should target prosperity, not poverty, and that the 2027 election would be decided by ordinary Nigerians rather than billionaires.

Why it matters

If implemented, the decentralisation of electricity could affect millions of Nigerians who currently face frequent power cuts that force businesses to close early. Makinde’s proposal to let states manage power generation and distribution seeks to address these disruptions, which he linked to broader economic stagnation. Reducing the cost of doing business and living expenses could improve Nigeria’s attractiveness to investors and ease household burdens.

The tax policy shift—taxing prosperity instead of poverty—aims to stimulate consumer spending and support small‑scale enterprises. By pricing fuel in naira, the plan could reduce foreign exchange pressures and make fuel costs more predictable for consumers. Security reforms, though less detailed, are presented as essential to prevent businesses from shutting down due to insecurity, a concern highlighted throughout the manifesto.

What happens next

Makinde’s manifesto launch precedes the 2027 general elections, which he asserts will be decided by the electorate rather than wealthy elites. He indicated that, should he win, a transitional government would be formed to oversee the restructuring of resource control to the states. No specific legislative timetable was provided, but the statements suggest that policy shifts on electricity, taxation and fuel pricing would be priorities in the early months of a potential administration.