All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has chided Governor Seyi Makinde over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, insisting that Nigerians would not replace “a performing President with a failed governor” in the 2027 general elections.

The party also declared that Nigeria was fortunate that someone like Makinde did not emerge as President in the 2023 elections.

It, however, alleged that the Oyo State Governor lacked the capacity and experience required to manage the country’s complex socio-economic challenges.

The Oyo APC, in a statement, yesterday, by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, was reacting to comments credited to Makinde at the unveiling of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) candidates in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where the governor reportedly criticised Tinubu’s economic reforms and expressed optimism that the APC would be voted out of power in 2027.

According to the party, Makinde’s criticisms were politically motivated and would not diminish what it described as the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration.

“The difference between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde, in terms of experience, reputation and results, is like the distance between heaven and earth. No amount of warped criticisms and shadow boxing will make Nigerians choose a failed governor to replace a performing President in 2027,” the statement stated.

The APC maintained that Tinubu’s policy decisions, though difficult, had attracted commendation from reputable international institutions and were gradually repositioning the country’s economy.

It further said that the President inherited enormous economic and structural challenges in 2023 but had taken bold decisions to prevent national collapse and place the country on the path of sustainable growth.

The party, however, accused Makinde of benefiting from increased federal allocations under the Tinubu administration while failing to translate the resources into commensurate development in Oyo State.

MEANWHILE, Makinde has called for stronger collaboration between government and faith-based institutions to build a more peaceful, just and prosperous Nigeria, stressing that national development requires the collective efforts of both public institutions and moral leaders.

Makinde gave the charge, yesterday, while declaring open the 50th/15th biennial conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria at the Bashmor Event Centre, Ibadan.

The governor commended the church for its long-standing contributions to education, healthcare, community development and the moral upbringing of Nigerians.

According to the governor, governments alone cannot build enduring nations, and he noted that religious institutions play a critical role in shaping values, strengthening families, and inspiring hope among citizens.

Makinde, while reiterating his intention to contest for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that he is prepared to provide inclusive and selfless leadership if entrusted with the mandate to lead the country, appealed to the Methodist Church for prayers and support, expressing optimism that Nigeria’s future remains bright with collective commitment and faith in God.

He recalled that the conference venue held special significance for him, revealing that he had prayed there in 2018 before contesting the Oyo State governorship election.

Besides, he said that the conference provided another opportunity to seek God’s guidance concerning his presidential aspiration.

In his address on the conference theme, “I Will Fight for You,” the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Oliver Ali Aba (JP), urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, inflation, kidnapping, and other socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer for God’s mercy, justice and prosperity, while calling on government at all levels to adopt more proactive measures in addressing insecurity and to avoid paying ransom to kidnappers.