Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has denied claims by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that President Bola Tinubu gave the state N50 billion to upgrade the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan. Makinde spoke on Tuesday while addressing supporters at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina. He said the Oyo State Government did not receive N50 billion from the Federal Government, adding that the airport upgrade was being funded entirely by the state. Wike had made the claim on Monday while appearing on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout programme. Makinde said, “The President did not give me or Oyo State N50 billion to upgrade the Ibadan Airport. The Ibadan Airport upgrade project is being undertaken 100 per cent with the funds of Oyo State.” On the transfer of presidential power, Makinde said he would transmit power to the Vice President whenever he is unavailable if elected president in 2027. He said he would obey Section 145 of the Constitution, which requires the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to perform the functions of office. “I promise you that, as your President, I will follow the Constitution to the letter. If I am not going to be available, if I am on vacation, I will transmit power to the Vice President. Record this and hold me accountable,” he said. Makinde also promised to establish reliable data on out-of-school children and develop measures to return them to school. He called for mining to be removed from the Exclusive Legislative List and devolved to the states, while the Federal Government retains oversight. On 2027 election, he urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the poll. Earlier, APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, said the North-West and Nigeria were “yearning for a reset”, citing insecurity and poverty as major challenges facing the region. Daura said Makinde’s proposed agenda aligned with his call for fundamental change and urged supporters to exercise their civic rights. He said details of the agenda would be unveiled as the campaign progresses.
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