APC Campaign Group Hits Makinde Over Federal Allocation Comments

The campaign group for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, has hit out at Governor Seyi Makinde. They took issue with his claim that the rise in federal funds for state governments has not helped reduce hunger among Nigerians.

Governor Makinde, who is also the presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made these comments on Monday. This was during his party's North-central zonal town hall meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

He pointed out that while state governments are getting more cash from the Federation Account, he questioned whether this has led to better living conditions for Nigerians.

"Yes, the amount of money is more, but has it helped in fighting hunger in our society? The answer is no," Mr Makinde said.

He also mentioned that when he became governor in 2019, Oyo State relied on federal allocations for more than 80 percent of its income. By 2022, this had dropped to about 65 percent, but now it has climbed back to nearly 80 percent.

Mr Makinde blamed this backtrack on the federal government's economic policies, which he labelled as "voodoo economics."

His comments have stirred up more controversies. On Tuesday, the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation released a statement through its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele. They accused Mr Makinde of not tackling the economic struggles in Oyo State, despite the increase in funds coming from the Federation Account.

Mr Oladele reacted to Mr Makinde's remarks, saying that the governor's acknowledgment of receiving more money should raise questions about how that money has been spent by the state government.

The campaign group stated that the higher allocations are due to the economic reforms from President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They emphasized that it is the duty of state governments to wisely use these funds.

"If you recognize that you have been getting more money from the Federation Account every month, who do you expect to come and help you fight hunger in your state? Is it President Tinubu?" the organisation questioned in the statement.

They also labeled Mr Makinde as "clueless" and "an embarrassment" to Oyo State. They argued that his comments show poor governance.

Furthermore, they accused Mr Makinde of blocking local government autonomy in Oyo State. They claimed that his administration has stopped the 33 local government councils from working independently.

The campaign group insisted that increased financial resources should lead to real improvements in the lives of people. They questioned why hunger is still a big issue when the allocations have gone up.

"It is embarrassing that hunger still exists in Oyo State with more funds from the federation account. Makinde has proven to be more than clueless," they said.