The Allied Peoples Movement has officially affirmed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, a decision that positions the governor as a key opposition figure in the race for the nation’s highest office .
The governor formally accepted his nomination at a ceremony held in Ibadan, where he received the party’s certificate of return and flag from APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle. The event was attended by political stakeholders, party leaders, and coalition partners from across the country .
In his acceptance speech, Makinde said his ambition was not driven by personal interest but by the urgent need to restore hope and rebuild confidence in the country. He promised leadership grounded in practical reforms rather than empty promises .
I do not stand before you promising miracles, the governor told the gathering. I am an engineer, not a miracle worker. What I promise is leadership that listens, leadership that learns, leadership that acts, and leadership that understands that the true purpose of government is to improve the lives of ordinary citizens .
Makinde outlined comprehensive plans to rebuild the economy, with particular emphasis on reforming the oil and gas sector. He insisted that Nigerians must benefit more from the country’s natural resources and called for restructuring the NNPC into a lean, efficient, and commercially driven institution .
On food security, the presidential candidate said no nation blessed with abundant resources should allow its citizens to suffer hunger. He pledged to begin by gathering accurate data on agricultural capacity to identify and address gaps in production, processing, storage, and logistics .
The affirmation of Makinde’s candidacy followed a peaceful primary exercise. The Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Adewale Adebayo, confirmed that Makinde was affirmed across all 332 wards in Osun State. Adebayo described the outcome as a demonstration of unity, consensus, and shared commitment among party members .
Dantalle described the governor’s emergence as a defining moment in the party’s history and the beginning of what he termed a national rescue mission. He noted that Makinde’s candidacy got an affirmative voice vote due to his pedigree and known track record in Oyo State .
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, led a high-powered delegation from the North-East to endorse Makinde’s candidacy. The delegation described him as the leader Nigeria needs at this critical moment in its history .
The APM also intensified efforts to attract members and structures of the Peoples Democratic Party into its fold ahead of future elections, describing itself as a platform capable of strengthening opposition politics and advancing a new political agenda .
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