Makinde confirms APM presidential ticket, promises economic recovery and oil sector reform ahead of 2027 poll

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising radical economic reforms, transparent governance and a citizen-centric leadership model if elected president of Nigeria..

Makinde, who accepted the party’s nomination on Friday in Ibadan, said his decision to run was anchored on what he described as an urgent national duty to restore hope, rebuild public trust in governance and reposition Nigeria’s economy towards productivity and equity.

He stressed that Nigeria’s vast natural and human resources should translate into better living conditions for citizens, lamenting that the country’s wealth had not been effectively harnessed to end widespread hardship.

“I stand here 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,” Makinde said.

The governor, in office since 2019, said his campaign will be driven by “practical reforms” rather than political rhetoric, insisting that governance must have a direct impact on the daily realities of Nigerians.

According to him, Nigeria’s economic recovery would require discipline, honesty and structural reforms capable of rebuilding critical sectors.

“I believe we possess the ability to rebuild our economy through honesty, discipline and practical reforms. When I talk about practical reforms, I mean reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

Makinde outlined key policy directions, including far-reaching reforms in the oil and gas sector, stressing that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited must undergo restructuring to operate more efficiently and transparently.

“The NNPC must be transformed into a lean, efficient and commercially driven institution through appropriate corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships and institutional reforms,” he said.

He added that Nigeria must ensure that its natural resources provide tangible benefits to citizens rather than remaining an abstract national asset.

Regarding agriculture and food security, the APM presidential candidate denounced the level of hunger in the country despite its arable land and resource endowment, describing the situation as unacceptable.

“It is unacceptable that a nation with abundant resources still has millions of citizens going to bed hungry,” he said.

Makinde proposed a data-driven agricultural strategy aimed at improving production, storage, processing and logistics across the agricultural value chain.

The governor has further distanced his ambitions from populist promises, describing himself as a technocrat who prioritizes results-oriented governance.

“I don’t stand before you promising miracles. I’m an engineer, not a miracle worker. What I promise is leadership that listens, leadership that learns, leadership that acts,” he said.

He argued that his aspiration was not about personal ambition but about a broader agenda of national renewal.

Earlier in the event, a powerful delegation from Bauchi State, led by Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau, representing Governor Bala Mohammed, had formally endorsed Makinde’s candidature.

The delegation described Makinde as a unifying figure with the expertise and experience to lead Nigeria through current challenges.

“We are here on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to support, endorse and celebrate the emergence of our dear and illustrious brother, Oluwaseyi Makinde, as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement,” Jatau said.

He added that Makinde represents “the leadership Nigeria needs at this critical moment,” expressing confidence in his ability to bring about national renewal.

APM national president Yusuf Dantalle described Makinde’s emergence as a turning point in the party’s history, calling it the start of what he called a national rescue mission ahead of 2027.

The event was attended by political stakeholders, delegates and coalition partners across the country, including representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and groups from the emerging “Reset Nigeria Movement”, signaling the broadening of political alignments ahead of the upcoming general elections.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE