Makinde Accepts APM Presidential Ticket, Promises Economic Reforms and “People-Focused Leadership”
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially accepted the presidential ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), declaring that his ambition is driven by a desire to restore hope and rebuild trust in Nigeria’s leadership.
Makinde made the declaration on Saturday in Ibadan during the party’s nomination and endorsement event, where delegates and political stakeholders gathered to confirm his emergence as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.
In his acceptance speech, the governor said his decision to run was not about personal ambition but about responding to the urgent need for meaningful change in the country.
“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.
Makinde stressed that Nigeria has the resources and human capacity to overcome its challenges, but only if leaders commit to honesty, discipline and practical reforms that directly improve the lives of citizens.
According to him, his administration—if elected—would prioritise reforms that have real impact on ordinary Nigerians rather than policies that exist only on paper.
“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,” he added.
On the oil and gas sector, Makinde promised major restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), describing it as essential for efficiency and accountability.
“The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient and commercially driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships and institutional reforms,” he said.
He also identified food security as a key priority, noting that a country with abundant resources should not struggle with hunger.
“It is unacceptable that a nation blessed with abundant resources still has millions of citizens going to bed hungry,” he said, adding that his administration would focus on accurate agricultural data to improve production, storage and distribution systems.
Makinde further stated that his campaign would focus on competence, accountability and problem-solving leadership rather than “empty promises.”
“I do not stand before you promising miracles. I am an engineer, not a miracle worker. What I promise is leadership that listens, learns and acts,” he said.
The event also featured political endorsements, including support from a delegation led by Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, who represented Governor Bala Mohammed.
The delegation described Makinde as a capable leader with the experience and vision needed to move Nigeria forward.
“We firmly believe that he is the leader Nigeria needs at this critical moment in our nation’s history,” Jatau said.
APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, also described Makinde’s emergence as a significant milestone for the party, calling it the beginning of what he termed a “national rescue mission.”
The ceremony attracted political leaders, party delegates and coalition partners from across the country, including representatives of other political platforms under the emerging “Reset Nigeria Movement.”
