Aug 4, 2026

Makinde Blasts Tinubu: Many Nigerians Can’t Afford Three Meals Daily

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abeokuta, Ogun State – August 4, 2026 — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, declaring that many Nigerians can no longer afford three square meals a day as the cost of living continues to soar.

Makinde made the remarks on Monday during the unveiling of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship, senatorial, and House of Assembly candidates in Abeokuta.

He was represented by party leader Hon. Babatunde Tijani.

The governor described the simultaneous removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as policies implemented without sufficient palliative measures to protect citizens from the resulting shock.

“A right-thinking government should not remove fuel subsidies without first putting adequate palliative measures in place to cushion the impact on ordinary citizens,” he said. “Instead, the subsidy was removed, and at the same time, the naira was floated, placing additional economic pressure on Nigerians.”

He argued that no country should roll out such far-reaching economic policies at the same time without carefully weighing their effects on the people.

“Today, many Nigerians can no longer afford three square meals a day. Compare the price of fuel before with what it is today, and the hardship facing citizens becomes obvious,” Makinde stated.

“Yet, despite these realities, the government continues to celebrate its policies. The true measure of any economic policy is its impact on the lives of the people, and Nigerians are yet to experience the expected relief.”

Makinde insisted that Nigeria needs a full reset of its economy, security architecture and overall governance structure. He questioned whether citizens still feel as safe as they once did and stressed that the welfare of the people must always come first.

APM Chairman Sanyaolu Abayomi, who also spoke at the event, urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support leaders who prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens.

He dismissed claims that the economy was improving, arguing that most families were still struggling to pay school fees and meet basic needs.

Makinde, who is being projected by the APM as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, used the platform to rally support for the party while positioning himself as an alternative to the current administration.

The criticism adds to the growing debate over the human cost of Tinubu’s economic reforms.

While the Federal Government has defended the policies as necessary for long-term stability and increased revenue for states, opposition figures continue to argue that the immediate burden on households has been too severe.

As the cost-of-living crisis remains a central issue for many Nigerian families, Makinde’s intervention is likely to intensify political conversations heading into the next election cycle.