Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the All Progressives Congress, APC, or any of the political parties willing to use any of the public facilities in the state is free to do so.

Makinde specifically explained that the APC is free to use the ancient Mapo Hall for its proposed campaign.

Makinde made these declarations in a statement on Tuesday night, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Makinde in the statement explained that no political party should be denied access to use the facilities as long as they fulfil the conditions.

Makinde made these declarations in response to concerns surrounding the proposed use of Mapo Hall by the APC presidential campaign.

He added that public facilities belong to the people of the state.

He said that its usage must be done in transparent and equitable way.

Makinde in the statement explained that, “Any political party or organisation that fulfils the stipulated conditions should not face discrimination or unjust restrictions in accessing such facilities”.

President Bola Tinubu says his administration’s economic reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable growth, increased investment and improved living standards.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, spoke on Monday at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he defended the government’s decision to undertake difficult economic reforms.

“We came to rewrite the story of a nation that has performed below its potential for far too long,” he said, adding that the reforms were aimed at creating opportunities for jobseekers, farmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

The President said Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.89 per cent in real terms in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 3.13 per cent in the same period last year.

He added that non-oil activities contributed 96.08 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, while capital importation rose to $10.37bn during the quarter, an increase of 83.83 per cent year-on-year.

Tinubu said his administration would continue to pursue policies to attract investment, improve electricity supply, strengthen businesses and boost productivity.

He, however, acknowledged that economic progress must translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians, insisting that the ultimate goal was to improve livelihoods rather than simply record favourable economic figures.

Earlier, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for the consolidation of Nigeria’s economic reforms and better management of public expectations. She also praised the African Development Bank for prioritising development financing across the continent.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, over the reported distribution of seven luxury sports utility vehicles (SUVs) worth about N1 billion to its youth leaders, accusing the ruling party of prioritising political mobilisation over the hardship facing Nigerians.

The opposition party said the reported distribution exposed the contradiction between the economic sacrifices Nigerians are being asked to make and the privileges enjoyed by the ruling party’s political operatives, with millions struggling to afford food, transportation and other necessities.

In a statement on Monday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the development raised questions about the APC’s priorities as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

“President Tinubu asks Nigerians to endure hardship while his party distributes luxury vehicles to its political operatives. Apparently, sacrifice is for ordinary Nigerians, while luxury is reserved for those working to keep the APC in power,” he said.

Abdullahi said the ruling party had mobilised resources for its political machinery without offering a convincing answer to the rising cost of living.

“The APC has found the resources to move its campaign officials around Nigeria. What it has failed to find is a convincing way to make life affordable for the Nigerians whose votes it now seeks,” he said.

The ADC also questioned the rationale for providing the vehicles for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections when youth unemployment and economic hardship remain major concerns.

“Seven APC youth leaders can receive luxury vehicles, but millions of young Nigerians are still waiting for the jobs, opportunities and economic relief they were promised. Is this the APC’s idea of youth empowerment?” Abdullahi asked.

The party demanded disclosure of the source of funding for the vehicles, including whether public resources were involved.

“Nigerians deserve to know who paid for these vehicles. Until that question is answered, the ruling party cannot dismiss legitimate concerns about its priorities,” Abdullahi said.