Makinde Questions FG over NLNG dividends controversy as the Oyo governor asked why the alleged delays in state payments and whether elections matter more than development.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde isn’t holding back. He’s accusing the Federal Government of already spending money meant for the states from NLNG dividends, and to make matters worse, he says payment might not come until after the 2027 elections.
Speaking recently, the governor didn’t mince words about funds reportedly set aside for state governments, questioning what holding onto that money could mean for development projects nationwide.
Each state, according to Makinde, is owed ₦250 billion from NLNG dividends. But he claims the Federal Government has already spent that money, something state governors clearly weren’t expecting to hear.
He didn’t stop there either. Makinde also alleged that governors had been informed the funds wouldn’t be released until after the 2027 general elections, a timeline that left him questioning the logic behind it all. Makinde Questions FG
“Are elections more important than development?” he asked, putting the question directly to anyone willing to answer.
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It’s a fair question, honestly, and one that touches on something bigger than just one allocation of funds. State governments rely heavily on available revenue to build infrastructure, run public services, and keep up with the everyday obligations owed to residents. When that money gets delayed, governors are left scrambling, especially when they’ve already built those funds into their budgets and spending plans.
Makinde Questions FG
Now, to be clear, none of Makinde’s claims have been independently confirmed based on what’s currently available. There’s no official word yet from the Federal Government addressing either the alleged spending of the funds or the supposed decision to delay payment until after elections. Makinde Questions FG
This whole situation is unfolding at a time when political attention is already drifting toward 2027, with conversations around governance, public spending, and accountability becoming harder to ignore. Makinde’s comments just add another layer to that growing conversation.
At the heart of it all, his real concern seems simple enough: should development funds be held hostage to election timing? That’s the question he’s putting out there, and it’s one a lot of Nigerians are probably asking too.
For now, everyone’s waiting to hear from the Federal Government. Their response, whenever it comes, should go a long way in clearing up what’s actually happening with these NLNG dividend payments and whether that delay is real or just speculation making the rounds.
Meanwhile; Seyi Makinde’s camp has urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if he cannot campaign across the country. Makinde Questions FG
Seyi Makinde’s Camp accused Tinubu of avoiding Nigerians amid concerns over his administration’s economic and security records.
Makinde also criticised the Federal Government’s economic reforms, arguing that their impact on ordinary Nigerians should be considered when assessing leadership. Makinde Questions FG
The Seyi Makinde campaign organisation has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if he is unwilling to campaign across the country and defend his administration’s record before Nigerians. Makinde Questions FG
The call followed Tinubu’s indication that he might not accompany the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team to every state ahead of the 2027 general election. The President said he wanted to concentrate on governance and other national responsibilities.
Reacting to this development, Richard Ihediwa, the Director of Strategic Communications for Makinde’s campaign organisation, accused Tinubu of avoiding the electorate over what it described as the failure of his administration to fulfil its campaign promises.
According to the organisation, a president seeking another term should be prepared to explain his performance to Nigerians and respond to their concerns. Continue reading here
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