Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the 2027 general election.
Makinde secured the party’s ticket at the APM presidential primary held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday.
In his acceptance speech, the governor said his decision to seek the nation’s highest office was inspired by a desire to restore hope among Nigerians and rebuild confidence in the country’s future.
“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,” Makinde said.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its economic challenges through what he described as honest leadership, fiscal discipline and practical reforms targeted at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
“I believe that we possess the capacity to rebuild our economy through honesty, discipline and practical reforms.
When I speak of practical reforms, I mean reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he stated.
The governor outlined key areas of focus for his proposed administration, including reforms in the oil and gas sector, agriculture and broader economic development.
According to him, Nigerians deserve greater benefits from the nation’s vast natural resources, particularly as a major oil-producing country.
“Nigerians must benefit from the fact that we are an oil-producing nation, just as citizens of other resource-producing countries benefit from their natural wealth,” he said.
Makinde also called for the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, arguing that the national oil company should operate as a more efficient and commercially driven institution.
“The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient and commercially driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships and institutional reforms,” he added.
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On agriculture, the governor identified the sector as a major driver of economic growth and job creation, stressing the need to strengthen agricultural production, processing, storage facilities and logistics systems across the country.
He assured party members and Nigerians that his campaign would be centred on competence, accountability and practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.
Also speaking at the event, Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Jatau, endorsed Makinde’s candidacy and described him as a leader with the capacity to move Nigeria forward.
“We are here on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to support, endorse and celebrate the emergence of our dear distinguished brother, Oluwaseyi Makinde, as the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement,” Jatau said.
The National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, commended delegates for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent primary election, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.