On Saturday, [Seyi Makinde](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seyi_Makinde), the governor of Oyo State and presidential hopeful of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), launched a video address at the inauguration of the Makinde and Daura for Better Nigeria (MAD) Resetter Movement in Lagos, accusing President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) of exploiting the rise in Nigeria’s foreign reserves to project an illusion of economic recovery despite widespread hunger.
Key points from the speech include:
- Makinde warned that a growing foreign reserve does not translate into improved living standards for ordinary Nigerians.
- He urged a “reset” of the economy, security architecture, education system and the nation’s socio‑political fabric.
- The Director‑General of the campaign, Hon. Hassan Felix, echoed concerns over unemployment, insecurity and companies exiting the country.
- A quote from Makinde: “We have heard stories that Nigeria’s foreign reserves are going up. I liken it to a household where the head is telling the people that we have a lot of money in our savings accounts, but everyone in that household is hungry.”
**What is the MAD Resetter Movement?**
The MAD Resetter Movement is a coalition launched by Makinde and his running mate Alhaji Lawal Daura to mobilise Nigerians across all geopolitical zones around a platform of economic, security and democratic reforms. The movement seeks to shift campaign tactics from entertainment‑driven rallies to issue‑based advocacy.
**Why does Makinde dismiss foreign reserves as a metric?**
Makinde argued that true economic progress should be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare—such as job creation, affordable fuel and stable salaries—rather than by balance‑sheet figures that do not reach the populace. He likened the situation to a family boasting of a full savings account while its members go hungry.
**How does the APM view Nigeria’s federal structure?**
Makinde reiterated that Nigeria was founded on a federalism arrangement and multiparty democracy, insisting that these principles must be reinforced to make the country work for everyone. He called on Nigerians to join the reset agenda and extend its reach beyond Lagos and the Southwest.
**What criticisms were raised by campaign officials?**
Hon. Hassan Felix highlighted persistent unemployment, insecurity and the exodus of businesses as evidence that the current government’s policies are not delivering results. He also compared Nigeria’s performance unfavourably with Ghana, noting that abundant resources have not been turned into prosperity.
**What is the stance of other APM candidates?**
APM’s Lagos governorship candidate, Adelaja Adeoye, pledged an inclusive administration that would serve all residents regardless of gender or social background. He urged voters to reject vote‑buying, describing the permanent voter card (PVC) as a tool of power in the hands of the electorate.
**How are local party structures responding?**
Local government chairmen in Lagos endorsed the Makinde‑Daura presidential ticket and the broader slate of APM candidates for Senate, House of Representatives and other positions. Hon. Isiaka Sodeinde, speaking for the chairmen, affirmed commitment to the reset agenda and expressed confidence in the APM‑PDP alliance’s chances at the polls.
Overall, the address framed the upcoming 2027 general elections as a pivotal moment for Nigeria to abandon superficial economic indicators and pursue a genuine reset of its economic, security and democratic institutions.