Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has triggered a national debate after alleging that the Federal Government has already spent the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) dividends that should have been shared to states, with each state entitled to ₦250 billion. In a statement now trending on X, Makinde claimed the FG told governors they would not receive the funds until after the 2027 general elections, asking pointedly: “Are elections more important than development?”
According to Makinde, the NLNG dividends — which accrue to the federation from Nigeria’s stake in the gas company — should have been a major boost for sub-national development, but have been withheld for political reasons. The governor, who is also the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for 2027, argued that withholding such funds undermines state projects, infrastructure, and the ability of governors to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.
The claim is trending because it touches two sensitive nerves in Nigeria: revenue sharing and 2027 politics. NLNG dividends have historically been a major source of federation revenue, often running into billions of dollars. If indeed ₦250bn per state is involved, it would represent one of the largest unshared windfalls in recent years. Makinde’s allegation that disbursement is being deliberately delayed until after elections has fueled accusations that the federal government is running what he previously described as a “voodoo economy” and weaponizing federal allocations.
While the Federal Government is yet to officially respond to the latest allegation, Makinde’s supporters see his outburst as part of his broader campaign message that “Nigerians will decide 2027, not candidates’ billions.” For critics, however, the timing — coming from a presidential aspirant — is political. Either way, the question he raised is resonating on X: should development funds be held back for electoral strategy?
For Xtrend:
Category: Politics + Breaking News
Tags: Seyi Makinde, NLNG, FG, ₦250bn, 2027 Elections, Oyo State, Trending on X
Meta Description: Oyo Gov Seyi Makinde alleges each state should get ₦250bn from NLNG dividends but FG has spent it and won’t pay governors until after 2027 elections. Why Makinde is trending.
