Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo state has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election.
Accepting his nomination at a party event in Ibadan, Makinde said his presidential ambition was driven by a desire to restore hope and confidence in the country rather than personal ambition.
“I stand before you today with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility as I accept the nomination to serve as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The governor expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its economic and social challenges through disciplined leadership and policies that directly improve the lives of citizens.
Makinde promised sweeping reforms in the oil and gas sector, insisting that Nigerians must benefit more from the nation’s natural resources. He also called for the transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited into a more efficient and commercially driven institution.
On food security, the APM candidate said it was unacceptable for millions of Nigerians to go hungry despite the country’s vast agricultural potential. He pledged to prioritise accurate agricultural data, improved production, storage and logistics systems to boost food availability.
Makinde stressed that his campaign would focus on competence and solutions rather than unrealistic promises.
“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,” he said.
The governor’s emergence received a boost as a delegation from Bauchi State, led by Mohammed Auwal Jatau, deputy governor on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed, endorsed his candidacy.
Jatau described Makinde as the leader Nigeria needs at a critical moment in its history, citing his vision, competence and experience as qualities that could drive national renewal.
Yusuf Dantalle, the national chairman of the APM described Makinde’s emergence as a defining moment for the party and the beginning of what he called a national rescue mission.
The event attracted party leaders, delegates, political stakeholders and coalition partners from across the country, including representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party and groups aligned with the emerging Reset Nigeria Movement.