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 during 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 motivated by a desire to restore public confidence and chart a new course for Nigeria’s development.
“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.
According to Makinde, Nigeria can achieve economic recovery through transparency, fiscal discipline and reforms designed to improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
He stressed that his administration would pursue policies that deliver measurable benefits to Nigerians rather than reforms that exist only on paper.
The governor also outlined plans to overhaul the country’s oil and gas sector, insisting that citizens should derive greater benefits from Nigeria’s natural resources.
He called for the restructuring of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited into a more efficient and commercially viable institution through corporate reforms, strategic partnerships and improved governance.
“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 stated.
Makinde further identified agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, highlighting the need to strengthen farming, food processing, storage facilities and agricultural transportation networks.
He said his campaign would be centred on competence, practical solutions and policies capable of addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
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.
Meanwhile, APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle commended the conduct of the primary, describing the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible.
