Makinde made this demand on Saturday in Yola, Adamawa State, during a town hall meeting for APM stakeholders and candidates. The call comes amidst ongoing public concern over increasing petrol prices and the federal government's measures to mitigate the impact on consumers.
Recently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited announced a petrol discount extending from October 1 to October 31 across its retail stations nationwide. The company stated this was a temporary measure to offer relief due to elevated global crude oil prices, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East. NNPC clarified that this discount does not signify a return of fuel subsidy or the establishment of a fixed national pump price.
During the town hall, Makinde also criticized the Tinubu administration's policies, questioning their effectiveness in improving the country's economic situation. He specifically raised doubts about initiatives related to compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles, the naira-for-crude policy, insecurity, and poverty reduction.
Makinde expressed his commitment to addressing national challenges with sincerity and involving Nigerians in finding solutions if elected president in 2027. He also proposed establishing a transitional government of national unity to ensure representation from all six geopolitical zones in national development efforts.
Bala Mohammed, the APM's national leader and governor of Bauchi State, commended party members for their support of Makinde's visit and described the APM as a viable platform to tackle Nigeria's issues. Abdulrahaman Haske, the APM candidate for governor in Adamawa State, urged intensified campaign efforts for the 2027 general elections.