• Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde emerged as APM’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election
• Makinde said his ambition is aimed at restoring hope and rebuilding confidence in Nigeria
• The governor pledged to implement practical economic reforms focused on improving citizens' lives

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election.

Makinde secured the party’s ticket during the APM presidential primary held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday, May 30.

In his acceptance speech, the governor said his decision to contest for Nigeria’s highest office was inspired by a desire to restore hope among citizens and rebuild confidence in the nation’s future.

“I stand 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,” he said.

Makinde expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential for economic recovery, stressing that genuine reforms must have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.

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

The governor outlined plans to overhaul the oil and gas sector, insisting that Nigerians should enjoy greater benefits from the country’s vast natural resources.

According to him, citizens of resource-rich nations typically benefit from their countries’ wealth, and Nigeria should not be an exception.

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

Makinde also identified agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, pledging to strengthen agricultural production, processing, storage facilities and logistics to boost food security and create jobs.

He noted that his presidential campaign would be centred on competence, practical solutions and measurable results rather than political rhetoric.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Jatau, endorsed Makinde’s candidacy, describing him as a capable leader with the vision to move Nigeria forward.

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

Also speaking at the event, APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, commended the conduct of the primary, describing the process as peaceful, transparent and credible.

2027 election: NRM picks actress Esther Okereke as presidential candidate

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Esther Okereke emerged as the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement ahead of the 2027 general election, joining the growing list of opposition figures preparing to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

Okereke clinched the party’s ticket during the NRM presidential primary held in Abuja, defeating former Labour Party presidential aspirant Joseph Faduri and UK-based businessman Ademola Onigbokun.