Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has secured the presidential ticket of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Mr Makinde emerged as the party’s candidate during its presidential primary election held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday.
In his acceptance speech, the governor said his decision to seek the presidency was motivated by a desire to restore hope and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’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,” he told party delegates.
The governor pledged to implement economic reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He identified the oil and gas sector as one of the key areas requiring reform, arguing that citizens should benefit more from the country’s vast natural resources.
“I believe that we possess the capacity to rebuild our economy through honesty, discipline and practical reforms,” Mr Makinde said. “When I speak of practical reforms, I mean reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.”
He also highlighted agriculture as a major pillar of his economic agenda, promising to strengthen production, processing, storage facilities, and transportation networks to boost food security and economic growth.
Mr Makinde said his campaign would focus on competence, accountability, and practical solutions to the country’s challenges rather than political promises.
The event drew support from political leaders across the country. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Jatau, endorsed Mr 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 and celebrate the emergence of Seyi Makinde as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement,” Mr Jatau said.
APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle described the primary election as peaceful, transparent, and credible.
Mr Makinde’s emergence marks an early step in the race towards the 2027 presidential election, as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched contest.