APC Chieftain Gbenga Makanjuola Speaks on Party's Readiness for 2027 Elections, Insecurity, Local Government Autonomy, and More

Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex-Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, has spoken on the party's readiness for the 2027 elections, insecurity in Kwara State, local government autonomy, and other national issues. In a recent interview with journalists, Makanjuola reflected on his journey from the PDP to the APC, rated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's performance, and shared his perspectives on the 10th National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

Key Takeaways:

Makanjuola joined the APC due to a deep conviction to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria and Kwara under a progressive platform, citing the party's people-oriented and reform-driven nature.
He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's administration for transforming Kwara State into a model of inclusive governance, with a focus on education, healthcare, road infrastructure, entrepreneurship support, and youth empowerment.
The APC in Kwara remains the party to beat ahead of the 2027 elections, according to Makanjuola, citing the party's achievements in governance and grassroots support.
To tackle insecurity, Makanjuola suggested a multi-pronged approach, including strengthening community policing, improving intelligence gathering, investing in modern security technology, and addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
He assessed the 10th National Assembly as having started on a modest but steady note, with interventions in critical areas such as economic reforms, security, and oversight of government agencies.
Makanjuola supported genuine autonomy for local governments in Nigeria, citing its potential to promote rural development, create jobs, and reduce the burden on state governments.
He expressed concerns about the proposed single-day elections, highlighting the potential risks of overstretching INEC and security agencies.
On the proposed salary increase for political office holders, Makanjuola advocated for prioritizing the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and civil servants.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for taking bold policy decisions necessary for Nigeria's long-term stability and growth, citing steps such as the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate harmonization.

Statistics:

6 years: The length of time Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been in office, during which he has demonstrated visionary and pragmatic leadership, transforming Kwara State into a model of inclusive governance.
2027: The year of the upcoming elections in Kwara State, which Makanjuola believes the APC is well-prepared to win due to its achievements in governance and grassroots support.
10th National Assembly: The current legislative session, which Makanjuola assesses as having started on a modest but steady note, with interventions in critical areas such as economic reforms, security, and oversight of government agencies.
2 years: The duration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, during which he has taken bold policy decisions necessary for Nigeria's long-term stability and growth, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate harmonization.

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