Prioritise Nigerians, not elections — Makinde to FG

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has questioned the Federal Government’s alleged decision to delay the release of funds accruable to states from Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) proceeds until after the 2027 general elections, asking whether elections are more important than the development and welfare of Nigerians.

Makinde expressed concern that state governments, which he said had been planning to invest the expected funds in projects capable of expanding their economies, were being told to wait until after the elections before receiving the money.

Speaking on Friday during the stakeholders’ consultative engagement on the 2027 budget, held at Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the governor noted that the funds could help states execute projects that would improve the lives of residents and stimulate economic growth.

He said, “We are planning towards this. We are identifying projects that we can put the money into, projects that can further expand the economies of our states.

“Now, they say they are not going to pay that money until after the election. Is the election more important than the people of Nigeria?”

The governor questioned the justification for withholding the funds over concerns that some governors might use the money to their political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said, “Maybe a few of our governors, if they get the money in their states, may have control over it and use it to work against you.

“But even more than that, does it mean the election is more important than your development in Nigeria?”

Makinde further challenged the rationale behind the alleged decision, insisting that public funds should be deployed to meet the needs of the people rather than withheld because of political considerations.

“Are you going to use the money to work against you? Is it your money? And why should we be forced to wait?” the governor asked.

He also questioned what he described as desperation surrounding the 2027 elections, arguing that the focus should remain on governance and development.

According to him, “Why are you so desperate? Why can’t you let the people finish?”

Makinde’s comments came amid discussions on the state’s 2027 budget and the need for prudent financial management to sustain infrastructure development and other government programmes.

The governor had earlier alleged that each state was entitled to more than ₦250 billion from the NLNG proceeds, but that the Federal Government had indicated payment would not be made until after the elections.

He explained that state governments had been making plans around the expected revenue, particularly for projects that could stimulate economic activity and create additional value within their respective states.

ALSO READ: LAUTECH resident doctors suspend 50-day strike

The allegation raises questions about the timing of the release of the funds and the implications for state governments’ development plans. However, the Federal Government’s position on the alleged delay was not available in the material provided for this report.

Makinde also called for the institutionalisation of the stakeholders’ consultation process, saying the approach had helped his administration identify public needs and improve budget planning.

He disclosed that he had discussed the matter with the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, stressing the need to preserve the process beyond his administration.

“I just finished talking to the Honourable Speaker, and I said, please, let’s find a way to institutionalise this process because it has helped us,” he said.