The Governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, has expressed strong confidence that the party will win the 2027 general election overwhelmingly, declaring his readiness to lead Nigeria towards economic prosperity, improved security and inclusive national development.
Makinde made the declaration at the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation’s Southwest Town Hall Meeting held at the International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome, in Akure, Ondo State.
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The meeting brought together representatives of various demographic groups, including youths, women, farmers, students and other stakeholders, who presented their concerns, expectations and demands for a better Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, Makinde emphasised the need for purposeful, energetic and people-oriented leadership capable of repositioning the country for sustainable economic growth and building a secure environment where businesses and citizens could thrive.
He argued that Nigeria required a leader with the vision, capacity and determination to address the country’s pressing challenges and restore public confidence in governance.
The Oyo State governor also criticised the Federal Government’s approach to budget implementation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, questioning the clarity and effectiveness of the process.
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Makinde contrasted the situation with the budgetary practices of his administration in Oyo State, explaining that the state government had consistently presented its annual budget in December and commenced implementation on January 1 of the following year.
According to him, the practice, which he said his administration had maintained for seven years, demonstrated the importance of proper planning, fiscal discipline and timely execution of government programmes.
He maintained that Nigerians could benefit from a similar approach at the federal level if given the opportunity to lead the country, promising a government that would prioritise accountability, prudent management of public funds and effective service delivery.
On concerns over the emergence of another presidential candidate from the Southwest, Makinde said his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election was informed by his conviction that he possessed the qualities and experience required to provide a new direction for Nigeria.
He argued that his candidacy represented an opportunity to reset the country for the benefit of all Nigerians, regardless of their background or political affiliation.
To demonstrate his physical fitness and agility, Makinde jumped from the podium to the floor during his address, using the gesture to reinforce his claim of being energetic and prepared for the demands of the presidency.
He challenged the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to demonstrate a similar level of physical agility, while insisting that his leadership would focus on responsible governance and prevent the wasteful use of taxpayers’ money.
The governor assured Nigerians that he would not disappoint them if elected president, pledging to deploy his experience in governance towards building a more prosperous, secure and economically vibrant nation.
He also expressed appreciation to the participants and political stakeholders who attended the Southwest Town Hall Meeting, describing their presence as a demonstration of their commitment to the APM’s vision for the country.
Earlier, the APM national leader and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, described the Southwest Town Hall Meeting as the best among the party’s engagements held across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Mohammed said the large turnout and level of participation at the gathering demonstrated the support Makinde enjoys in his home region, adding that the Southwest was prepared to support his ambition to reposition the country.
He described the meeting as a strong indication of the region’s readiness to rally behind Makinde’s presidential aspiration and the APM’s promise of national renewal.
The event was attended by prominent APM leaders and candidates across the Southwest, including the party’s governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates, as well as chairmanship and councillorship candidates from Oyo State.
Other notable personalities present included former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Oyo State deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo lawal , former Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker and former Senator, Monsurat Sunmonu; and the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, alongside other party leaders, members and supporters.
The gathering formed part of the APM’s broader engagement with Nigerians across different regions and demographic groups ahead of the 2027 general election, as the party seeks to build support for Makinde’s presidential ambition and its proposed approach to national governance.
