2027: Makinde Reject ‘Turn-by-Turn’ Politics, Urges Southwest To Lead Nigeria’s Rebirth

Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has urged the Southwest to lead Nigeria’s national rebirth and reject “turn-by-turn” politics and nepotism ahead of the 2027 general election.

Makinde spoke at the APM Southwest Town Hall at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome, in Akure.

He said the Southwest had historically contributed to Nigeria’s progress and should not be barred from presenting presidential candidates simply because the region currently holds the presidency. Citing the 1999 election, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae contested against each other, he said candidates from the same region should not be considered a problem.

Makinde said leadership should be based on energy, competence and readiness to serve, rather than regional entitlement.

He identified the four pillars of his Reset Nigeria agenda as education, the economy, security and socio-political empowerment. He said national development required a skilled population, economic prosperity, security and a political system that allowed opposition parties to thrive.

The APM candidate also criticised what he described as a lack of clarity in the Federal Government’s budgeting process, contrasting it with Oyo State’s January-to-December budget cycle and claimed budget performance of more than 70 per cent over the past seven years.

He called for a productive economy in which states received funds due to them without delay, while taxation would promote prosperity rather than deepen poverty.

Makinde urged supporters to become “Reset Agents”, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and take the campaign message to households across the country. “Together, we will reset Nigeria,” he declared.

The APM vice-presidential candidate, Alhaji Lawal Daura, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its national reset agenda and warned against political infiltration aimed at creating divisions within the party.

In goodwill messages, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, APM Deputy Director-General (Administration) Maryam Inna Ciroma and retired civil servant Layi Ogunbambi urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to support capable leaders. They also called for the protection of democratic institutions and Nigeria’s multiparty system.

APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle and National Leader Bala Mohammed criticised the ruling party’s economic policies, saying they had worsened hardship across the country. They expressed confidence in the Makinde-Daura ticket, arguing that the APM could restore economic prosperity if elected.

Earlier, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Makinde-Daura Campaign Organisation, Eddy Olafeso, said responsible governance must prioritise the welfare of the people and described Makinde as prepared to lead efforts to reset the country.

The event was attended by Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin, former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu and other Southwest stakeholders.

The statement was signed by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to the Oyo State Governor, on October 22, 2026.