By Adeyemi Adeleye
The Lagos State Governorship Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Prince Laja Adeoye, on Wednesday urged opposition presidential candidates to unite behind Gov.Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition in 2027.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has declared his intention to run for the presidency under the umbrella of the Allied Peoples Movement in the 2027 general election.
Speaking to NAN, Adeoye urged the Presidential Candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and that of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, to support Makinde in order to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeoye said Makinde remained the most qualified among all presidential hopefuls because of his performance record, transparency, inclusive leadership and youth-friendly governance.
Adeoye, who confirmed talks among opposition leaders on presenting a consensus presidential candidate, said the opposition parties were bound to fail if they approached the elections divided.
“There was a summit in Ibadan in April where we declared that there should be a single candidate for 2027. The conversation has been renewed, and I believe it is ongoing.
“Everybody must set aside ego and personal interest to rescue Nigeria. Multiple opposition candidates could divide votes and aid the ruling party’s re-election.
“What does it profit anybody if everyone insists on being on the ballot, loses the election and allows an unpopular government to return?
“I believe wisdom will prevail over ego ahead of the 2027 election,” he said.
Adeoye specifically urged Atiku, Obi and other opposition leaders to support Makinde being a performer and from the South West.
“I call on them to step down for Seyi Makinde so that he can represent the aspirations of Nigerians in the 2027 election.
“I believe he possesses the leadership qualities needed to transform Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, Nigerians should assess presidential candidates the same way employers assess workers, by evaluating their performance and achievements.
“Seyi Makinde stands out among every one of the candidates across political parties as a top performer.
“He has this youthful energy that connects and resonates with young Nigerian people.
“In Nigeria today, the largest population comprises young people.
“So, we need somebody that can connect and understand their yearnings and needs in terms of leadership and governance,” he said.
Adeoye said Makinde had demonstrated competence in infrastructure development and prudent management of public resources.
“In terms of infrastructure development, Seyi Makinde will do it. In terms of transparency, Seyi Makinde is top-notch; he is number one.
“They have tried everything possible to blackmail him about transparency and they could not succeed.
“He would issue out a project at the right cost and at the right timeline, and it will be delivered. So, that is what Seyi Makinde is known for,” he said.
The APM governorship candidate described Makinde as a detribalised Nigerian capable of promoting national unity.
“He (Makinde) is blind to ethnicity or religion. He is going to serve and lead every Nigerian and bring unity.
“Seyi Makinde has shown leadership by bringing people together regardless of ethnic background.
“So, he will unite Nigerian people, bring sanity to the economy and strengthen national cohesion,” he said.
Adeoye said Makinde had also pledged to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
Speaking on Makinde’s electoral chances, Adeoye expressed optimism that he would emerge victorious in the presidential election (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)