Ola Wale
The Allied People’s Movement has picked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, marking one of the earliest formal endorsements for the next presidential cycle. The affirmation came from the Osun State chapter of APM after the party concluded its primaries across all 332 wards in the state without any rancour or disruption. Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Adewale Adebayo, announced the decision in Osogbo and said Makinde emerged as the sole aspirant affirmed by party members across every ward.
The party described the exercise as a demonstration of unity, consensus, and shared conviction in the future of APM and the nation. Adebayo said the peaceful conduct of the primaries reflected maturity and discipline within the party’s ranks, adding that the affirmation was reached during a ceremony attended by party leaders, INEC officials, security agencies, and members of the press. He noted that sometimes the strongest democracy is not in division but in agreement built on trust, consultation, and a common vision.
Makinde’s emergence as APM’s candidate was also confirmed at a presidential primary and unveiling ceremony held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he received the Certificate of Return and the party’s flag from APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle. Dantalle said the governor’s candidacy received affirmative voice votes due to his pedigree and track record over seven years as governor of Oyo State. He framed the event as the birth of a “Reset Nigerian Movement,” describing it as a new alliance of APM and PDP structures backed by Nigerians seeking a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
In his acceptance speech, Makinde said his ambition was driven by the need to restore hope and rebuild confidence in the country. He told supporters that Nigeria possesses the capacity to rebuild its economy through honesty, discipline, and practical reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens. The governor specifically promised reforms in the oil and gas sector, arguing that Nigerians must benefit more from the country’s natural resources just as citizens of other resource-producing countries do.
The Osun APM also used the occasion to announce candidates for the National Assembly and State Assembly across federal and state constituencies. Adebayo said the candidates emerged through the overwhelming love, acceptance, and support of party members, and that the outcome reflected the party’s confidence in credible leadership. The party described the simultaneous affirmation of candidates at all levels as a message of cohesion, discipline, and collective purpose as it prepares for future contests.
A major part of APM’s strategy going into 2027 is expanding its base by attracting members and structures of the Peoples Democratic Party. Party officials said efforts are being intensified to woo PDP members ahead of the polls, with a particular focus on Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election. Adebayo expressed confidence that PDP structures, youths, and progressive citizens in the state support APM’s agenda, describing the party as a strong alternative platform capable of rescuing and rebuilding the nation.
The affirmation of Makinde positions APM as one of the first parties to declare a presidential flag bearer ahead of 2027, even though the official campaign season has not opened. It also places the Oyo governor at the center of political conversations about alternative platforms outside the two dominant parties. Political analysts note that early endorsements can help build momentum, but they also come with the challenge of maintaining cohesion and structure over the next two years.
Makinde, who is serving his second term as governor of Oyo State, has been known for infrastructure projects, security reforms, and policies around education and health in the state. APM leaders say those qualities informed their decision, arguing that his record shows resolve to improve citizens’ lives. The party described him as a seasoned political warrior whose emergence is a response to national decline and a push to reset Nigeria toward equity, dignity, and prosperity.
With the 2027 election still more than a year away, APM says the next steps involve consolidating structures, expanding membership, and presenting its policy agenda to Nigerians. The party has already begun mobilization efforts and says it will continue to engage voters on issues of governance, accountability, and economic reform. Whether the early endorsement translates into a competitive campaign will depend on how APM navigates alliances, funding, and voter trust in the months ahead.
