Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
He was presented the certificate and flag by the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, at the presidential primary election and unveiling ceremony, held at Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Ibadan.
Before presenting the flag, the National Chairman, who invited all the 36 state chairmen of the party, openly asked if Makinde should be given the party ticket, a question that attracted a loud voice vote from the delegates.
Speaking, Dantalle said Makinde’s candidacy got the affirmative voice vote due to his pedigree and known track record in Oyo State.
In his acceptance speech, the governor said his ambition was driven by the need to restore hope and rebuild confidence in the country.
He said, “I stand before you today (Saturday) 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.
“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.”
The governor promised reforms in the oil and gas sector, saying Nigerians should benefit more from the country’s natural resources.
“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.
“The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient, and commercially driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships, and institutional reforms,” he stated.
Makinde also identified agriculture as a key area for economic growth, stressing the need to improve production, processing, storage, and agricultural logistics.
Makinde explained that his campaign would focus on competence and solutions rather than empty promises.
In a remark shortly after the presentation, Dantalle explained that the event marked what he called the birth of the Reset Nigerian Movement, noting that Makinde’s emergence followed a peaceful APM presidential primary and symbolized a new alliance of the People’s Democratic Party and APM, backed by Nigerians seeking a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
Handing Makinde the party flag, Dantalle described him as a seasoned political warrior whose seven years as governor of Oyo State showed resolve to improve citizens’ lives, framing the candidacy as the start of a journey to Aso Rock.
Dantalle framed the candidacy as a response to national decline, stating Nigeria’s destiny is at stake and must be reset toward equity, dignity, and prosperity.
Speaking at the event, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Jatau, endorsed Makinde’s candidacy and described him as a leader capable of moving 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,” he said.
Also speaking, APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle described the primary as peaceful and transparent.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
