NIGERIA: Makinde Emerges APM Presidential Candidate For 2027

By Onoja Baba

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, marking a significant development in the build-up to the 2027 presidential race.

In his acceptance speech, the Oyo State governor said his decision to seek the nation’s highest office was motivated by a desire to restore hope and rebuild confidence among Nigerians.

“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.

The governor expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its economic challenges through what he described as honesty, discipline and practical reforms that would directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

According to him, one of the key priorities of his administration, if elected, would be reforming the nation’s oil and gas sector to ensure Nigerians derive greater benefits from the country’s vast 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,” he stated.

Makinde also called for the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, saying the national oil company should become a lean, efficient and commercially driven institution through stronger partnerships and institutional reforms.

The governor further identified agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, stressing the need to improve agricultural production, processing, storage facilities and logistics across the country.

He assured party members and Nigerians that his campaign would be based on competence, practical solutions and measurable results rather than political rhetoric and empty promises.

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.

Also speaking, Yusuf Dantalle described the primary election as peaceful, transparent and credible, commending party members for their conduct throughout the exercise.

Makinde’s emergence adds a new dimension to the growing list of presidential hopefuls positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.