Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has promised to introduce practical reforms that will enhance the welfare and security of Nigerians if he emerges victorious in the 2027 presidential election. He made this pledge on Saturday during his acceptance speech after being affirmed as the consensus presidential candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM) at the Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Security and Economic Challenges
Makinde lamented the rising insecurity, inflation, and hunger in the country, emphasizing the need for a new direction to reset Nigeria. He highlighted the plight of abducted schoolchildren and citizens, noting that as governor, he bears the burden of being Chief Security Officer without constitutional control over security agencies. He promised to reform the national security architecture to ensure states are not left helpless during crises.
Economic Reforms
The governor stressed that Nigerians must benefit from the country's oil wealth. He vowed to pursue fair and transparent pricing for petroleum products, protect citizens from arbitrary pricing, and reform the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to become lean, efficient, and commercially driven. He also pledged to restructure refinery ownership to stop resource bleeding.
Transportation and Agriculture
Makinde promised to expand transportation support systems using successful state-level models to ease the burden of high transport costs on workers, students, traders, and families. He also guaranteed food security by collecting accurate agricultural data to address gaps in production, processing, logistics, and storage.
Vision for Nigeria
Makinde assured Nigerians of a campaign focused on solutions, competence, and the future, stating, "Together, we can build a Nigeria where security is not a privilege, where opportunity is not reserved for a few, and where leadership finally serves the people."
Party and Stakeholder Support
APM National Chairman Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle described Makinde's emergence as the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria's political history, emphasizing that power must return to the people. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, and APM Lagos State gubernatorial candidate Hon. Laja Adeoye expressed confidence in Makinde's ability to deliver. Oyo State APM governorship candidate Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi praised the unity and collective vision of party leaders and delegates.
The event was attended by former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Oyo Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal, former Deputy Governor Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, and other dignitaries.
