Lagos APC dismisses gov’s 12-state target

Presidency has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of misleading the public over federal revenue allocations, recalling his description of increased Federation Account inflows to states as “voodoo”.

It also dismissed his claim that the Federal Government was withholding N250 billion in NLNG dividends for each state until after the 2027 elections.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Makinde’s latest allegation was inconsistent with the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue-sharing formula and NLNG’s historical dividend payments.

In a statement yesterday, Onanuga said the governor made the allegation at the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement held at the Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Friday.

Makinde had alleged that the Federal Government was delaying the release of the funds until after the elections, claiming that the money had already been spent.

The Presidency dismissed the claim, arguing that the figures did not add up under the established revenue-sharing framework.

Onanuga said a one-off payment of N250 billion to each of the 36 states would amount to N9 trillion, excluding the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local government areas.

He explained that states receive 26.72 per cent of distributable Federation Account revenue under the FAAC formula. For their combined share to reach N9 trillion, he said, total NLNG dividends paid into the Federation Account would have to exceed N33.68 trillion, equivalent to about $25 billion, in a single declaration.

“NLNG has never paid $25 billion in dividends to the Federation Account in a single payout,” he said.

While acknowledging Makinde’s constitutional right to contest for the presidency, the presidential spokesman urged him to substantiate his claims with verifiable facts rather than make allegations he described as false and misleading.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the governor’s claims, arguing that they could misinform the public and fuel unnecessary disaffection against the Federal Government.

But reacting to the Presidency’s defence, Makinde, through his aides, insisted on the claim.

He said: “We have read the Presidency’s response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s statement on the Federal Government’s withholding of NLNG dividends due to states and local governments.

“The response sidestepped the central issue: the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), with the Federal Government’s support, engaged a consultant to reconcile NLNG dividend payments. The exercise identified a shortfall of about N9 trillion due to states and local governments. The Federal Government accepted the findings.

“The report remains in the custody of both the Federal Government and the NGF. We trust the Presidency will not deny its existence.”

He quoted the Presidency as saying that NLNG had paid $21.5 billion in dividends into the Federation Account since inception, including $3 billion received under the current administration. But it did not explain how these funds were disbursed.

What happened to the $3 billion received under this administration, he queried.

The statement further noted: “We remain ready to provide further clarification while we urge the presidency to address the substance of the matter.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted Makinde’s campaign organisation over its claim that it would defeat President Bola Tinubu in 12 states in the 2027 presidential election, as the Hashim Progressive Movement (HPM) targets six million votes for Accord Party candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, in the North-West.

In a statement yesterday, the Lagos APC spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, described Makinde’s projection as premature, arguing that electoral victory required strong political structures, effective alliances and grassroots mobilisation.

He questioned Makinde’s political structures outside Oyo State and the evidence supporting his campaign’s confidence, while urging opposition politicians to focus on credible programmes and nationwide support rather than ambitious electoral projections.