Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (middle); receiving certificate of return and Flag as Allied People’s Movement (APM), Presidential Candidate from the party National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle (left) while the Organising Secretary, Hon Bashiru Bala looks on, during the APM primary election collation/unveiling ceremony, held at Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall
Makinde Accepts APM Presidential Ticket, Promises Security Reforms and Economic Renewal
By Adewale Owoade
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has pledged to pursue a governance agenda anchored on security reforms, economic transparency, accountability and inclusive development after emerging as the consensus presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election.
Makinde made the commitment while accepting his nomination at the party’s presidential affirmation ceremony held in Ibadan, where he outlined what he described as a competence-driven vision for rebuilding Nigeria.
The governor said the nation’s current challenges require courageous, compassionate and accountable leadership rather than what he called “recycled approaches” to governance.
Reflecting on the country’s worsening security situation, particularly the recent wave of kidnappings and abductions, Makinde promised to champion far-reaching reforms aimed at decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture and empowering sub-national governments to respond more effectively to security threats.
“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.
“Ordinarily, this would be a moment purely for celebration. However, recent security challenges in Oyo State and across the country have turned it into a moment of sober reflection.
“Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by criminals remain in captivity. As Governor of Oyo State, I bear the responsibility of being called the Chief Security Officer of the state, yet I do not have constitutional control over the security agencies required to fully address these threats.
“No governor should bear responsibility without the authority needed to act.
“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God, I will work to reform our national security architecture so that states are no longer left helpless in moments of crisis.
“The decentralisation necessary for effective security management will be prioritised. The safety and security of Nigerians will never be treated as a political slogan. Under my leadership, it will be a sacred national responsibility,” Makinde said.
He added that Nigeria possesses the capacity to rebuild its economy through honesty, fiscal discipline and practical reforms capable of stimulating growth and restoring public confidence.
Earlier, APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantale, formally affirmed Makinde as the party’s consensus presidential candidate, describing him as a courageous leader, political strategist and proven administrator.
According to Dantale, Makinde’s record in Oyo State demonstrates his capacity to provide purposeful leadership at the national level.
“With his emergence today as the APM Presidential Candidate, the long-awaited journey to the Presidency has begun.
“The destiny of Nigeria is at stake. This is the time to reset the nation and redirect it toward justice, equity, prosperity, dignity and sustainable development.
“It is time to return power to the people from whom sovereignty truly derives.
“It is time for compassionate leadership that will address economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and social inequality.
“It is time to create opportunities at home so that Nigerians will no longer be forced to seek survival abroad under difficult circumstances,” he said.
In his welcome address, the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, Abimbola Adekanmbi, said the coalition involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), APM and other progressive political forces was united by a common vision for national transformation.
Adekanmbi noted that the achievements recorded under Makinde’s administration in Oyo State could be replicated across the country.
“We are confident that the leadership qualities demonstrated by Governor Makinde in Oyo State can be brought to bear at the national level.
“In the areas of infrastructure development, security, economic growth, good governance and improved standards of living, his administration has delivered tangible results.
“We believe that with the same commitment and vision, he can provide effective leadership for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“That is why we are gathered here today—to affirm our support and send a clear message to Nigerians that through unity and collective effort, we can build a more prosperous, secure and united nation,” Adekanmbi stated.
Also speaking, Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammed Jatau, and the APM governorship candidate in Lagos State, Laja Adeoye, expressed confidence in Makinde’s leadership credentials, saying the party was proud to present him to Nigerians as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The event attracted party leaders and political stakeholders from across the country, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by Deputy Governor Jatau, APM state chairpersons, representatives of the PDP, as well as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).(NAN)