Nigeria’s biggest problem is poverty, not religion, Makinde declares

• Urges Christians to participate in agenda to transform the nation

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM, and Governor of Oyo State Engr Seyi Makinde has identified the major problem facing Nigeria as poverty and not religion.

This is as he encouraged Christians across the country to rise up and participate in the agenda to transform Nigeria and reset the nation.

Makinde spoke on Saturday while reacting to his recognition as Christian Icon of the Year at an event to mark the 50th anniversary celebration of the Christian Association of Nigerian, CAN, in Abuja.

At the well attended ceremony, the APM presidential flag bearer said, “I will use this opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters across the country to rise up and participate in the agenda to transform Nigeria and reset our country.

“Our problem is not primarily a religious one. Our problem in this country is poverty — grinding poverty.

“At this stage, we must focus on addressing the issues currently confronting us. Those are the challenges we need to tackle”, he said.

Continuing, Makinde said, “I was considered one of the people to be honoured, so I am grateful for the recognition. However, I also see it as an opportunity to call on Christians to participate in the agenda for national transformation.

“It is typical for us to say, ‘Politics is dirty. I don’t want to be yoked with unbelievers’, and things like that. But we must look at biblical examples.

“We should also remember that some people may say, as Christians, we do not want to serve under unbelievers.’ But let us consider the biblical example of David.

“David had already been anointed and knew that he would become king. Yet, he went to the palace to serve Saul, from whom God had already departed”, he said.

In a related development, the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organization (MDPCO) has congratulated its Presidential candidate on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde on the conferment on him of the prestigious Christian Icon Award by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The organization, in a statement by its Director of Strategic Communications Mr Richard Ihediha on Saturday, said, “It is instructive to note that Engr Makinde is the only Presidential Candidate in the 2027 Presidential election that was so honored by CAN, the apex Christian body in Nigeria at the significant event of its Golden Jubilee.

“Our campaign notes that the Christian Icon Award is conferred on leaders who exemplify excellence, integrity, commitment to nation building and values of faith and service in their political endeavours.

“The conferment of this award on the APM Presidential candidate is therefore significant as it is in recognition of his distinguished public service as evidenced in his record of achievements as the Executive Governor of Oyo State which is marked by integrity, transparency, accountability, vision and commitment to service.

“His stewardship as the Governor of Oyo State which is hallmarked by people-oriented policies, and unparallel infrastructural development with which he repositioned the state in all critical sectors of life has endeared him to Nigerians and for which they are eager to elect him in January 16, 2027 as the next president of the nation

“Engr. Makinde’s leadership style coupled with his sense of humility, compassion, openness and accessibility continue to endear him to Nigerians leading to his emergence as the ‘most beloved’ and ‘most admired’ governor in Nigeria in 2023 and 2024 consecutive country-wide poll by the Nigeria Social Media Week Group (NSG).

“It is clear that Engr. Makinde’s impeccable leadership credentials and his all-inclusive RESET NIGERIA Agenda for national renewal, transparency and accountability in government, efficient public service, revamped productivity for economic prosperity and strengthened security system form the basis for which Nigerians are surging in their millions into the APM in support of the Makinde-Daura Presidency.

“The MDPCO appreciates the support and solidarity from Nigerians from all walks of life and urges them to remain steadfast in their determination to use the 2027 Presidential election to end bad governance and usher in a responsible, responsive and purposeful government they yearn for under a Makinde-Daura Presidency”, the statement concluded.