Makinde Emerges APM Presidential Candidate, Unveils ‘Reset Nigeria’ Agenda for 2027

…Promises leadership that listens and delivers

…Says Nigeria needs competence, accountability and courage

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election, pledging to “reset Nigeria” through reforms in security, the economy, transportation, and agriculture.

Speaking shortly after his emergence at the party’s Presidential Primary Election and Unveiling Ceremony held in Emeritus Prof. Theophilus Ogunlesi hall in Ibadan, Makinde said Nigeria requires a new leadership direction founded on competence, accountability, courage, and compassion.

Accepting the party’s nomination, the governor expressed concern over the nation’s current challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, rising transportation costs, and food insecurity.

“Our nation is hurting. Millions of Nigerians are weighed down by hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs, and uncertainty about tomorrow,” Makinde said.

“Nigeria must reset. We cannot continue recycling the same leadership approaches while expecting different results.”

The APM presidential candidate criticized the existing security architecture, noting that governors bear responsibility for security without having adequate constitutional authority over security agencies.

“As governor of Oyo State, I carry the painful burden of being called the chief security officer yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies needed to fully confront security threats,” he stated.

Makinde pledged to decentralize security operations and reform the nation’s security framework if elected president in 2027.

On the economy, he promised practical reforms, particularly in the oil and gas sector, stressing that Nigerians should benefit more from the country’s status as an oil-producing nation.

He advocated a transparent and fair petroleum pricing structure and promised reforms of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), alongside restructuring the ownership framework of Nigeria’s refineries.

The governor also outlined plans to expand transportation support systems, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen agro-logistics, and address food insecurity through data-driven policies.

“I am an engineer, not a miracle worker,” Makinde said. “But I promise leadership that listens, leadership that acts, and leadership that understands the needs of ordinary Nigerians.”

Earlier, the National Chairman of APM, Yusuf Dantalle, described Makinde’s emergence as a historic moment and the beginning of a national movement aimed at restoring Nigeria’s lost glory.

According to Dantalle, the presidential primary was conducted peacefully and reflected the spirit of a growing alliance between the APM, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other political stakeholders committed to national transformation.

“Today, history has been made with the emergence of Engineer Seyi Makinde as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement,” Dantalle said. “It is time to reset Nigeria and redirect the nation towards equity, prosperity, and people-centered leadership.”

The APM chairman praised Makinde’s leadership record in Oyo State, describing him as a tested leader with the vision and capacity to address Nigeria’s challenges.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Jatau, led a delegation from the state to endorse Makinde’s candidacy.

Jatau said Bauchi State, the North-East region, and many Nigerians across the northern part of the country were prepared to support the APM candidate’s presidential ambition.

“We firmly believe that Engineer Seyi Makinde possesses the vision, competence, experience, and commitment required to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

Similarly, the Lagos State governorship candidate of the APM, Laja Adeoye, described Makinde as a leader with a proven track record of governance and development.

Adeoye pointed to the transformation witnessed in Oyo State since 2019, citing improvements in infrastructure, investment attraction, and economic growth as evidence of Makinde’s leadership capacity.

“Nigeria needs change driven by competence, integrity, and proven leadership,” Adeoye said. “If he can transform Oyo State, he can help transform Nigeria.”

The event attracted party leaders, elected officials, candidates, stakeholders, and supporters from across the country, who expressed optimism that the APM’s “Reset Nigeria” agenda could provide an alternative vision ahead of the 2027 presidential election.