Makinde's Campaign Critiques Tinubu's Independence Speech

The Presidential Campaign Organisation of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Mr. Seyi Makinde, and his running mate, Mr. Lawal Daura, criticized President Bola Tinubu's 66th Independence Day address, describing it as “rhetorical” and lacking concrete solutions to Nigeria's economic hardship, poverty, and insecurity. The Director of Strategic Communications for the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Richard Ihediwa, stated that the address did not provide specific, measurable, and binding economic and security policy commitments for which Nigerians could hold the administration accountable.

Ihediwa expressed disappointment that the speech was vague and failed to address major national issues. The organization noted that Tinubu's previous Independence Day speeches since 2023 had promised a better future without delivering improvements.

They criticized the President's claims regarding economic reforms, arguing that the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira led to severe economic disruptions, increased petrol prices, and a weakened naira. The organization also highlighted the impact of these reforms on businesses and households, the departure of multinational companies, and the lack of decisive plans for infrastructure, agriculture, and local manufacturing.