The Seyi Makinde 2027 presidential campaign has called on the Southwest to take the lead in rebuilding Nigeria, with Governor Seyi Makinde urging political leaders to reject the idea that national leadership should be treated as an entitlement reserved for particular individuals or regions.
Makinde made the call on Thursday at the Southwest Town Hall of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), held at the International Conference Centre, The Dome, in Akure, Ondo State.
The Oyo State governor, who is the APM presidential candidate, said the country needed leadership driven by competence, energy and service rather than what he described as “turn-by-turn” politics and nepotism.
Table of Contents
- Seyi Makinde 2027 presidential campaign
- Makinde outlines four pillars of Reset Nigeria
- Governor questions federal budgeting process
- APM leaders back Makinde-Daura ticket
Why Southwest should lead Nigeria
Makinde argued that the Southwest should not be discouraged from producing presidential candidates because a president from the region is currently in office.
He recalled that the 1999 presidential election featured two prominent candidates from the Southwest, Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae, noting that the region had previously demonstrated its capacity to present competing candidates.
According to him, the focus should be on the ability of candidates to address the country’s challenges rather than the region they come from or the notion that a particular area has already had its turn.
He maintained that leadership should be assessed through energy, competence and the capacity to serve Nigerians.
The governor urged supporters of the party to take the message of the APM to communities across the country as part of efforts to promote what he described as a national rebirth.
Makinde outlines four pillars of Reset Nigeria
The governor presented the APM’s Reset Nigeria agenda as a framework for addressing the country’s major challenges.
He identified its four pillars as education, the economy, security and socio-political empowerment.
Makinde said Nigeria needed a productive economy capable of creating opportunities and improving the lives of citizens. He also stressed the importance of policies that would support economic prosperity rather than make life more difficult for the people.
He urged supporters to become “Reset Agents” by taking the party’s message from door to door and encouraging eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“Together, we will reset Nigeria,” he said.
Governor questions federal budgeting process
Makinde also criticised the federal government’s budgeting process, contrasting it with the January-to-December budget cycle adopted by the Oyo State Government.
He said his administration had recorded more than 70 per cent budget performance over seven years, presenting the figure as evidence of the importance of planning and implementation.
The governor called for timely transfers of funds to states and tax policies designed to promote prosperity and productive economic activity.
He argued that effective governance required clear financial planning and the ability to translate budgetary provisions into projects and programmes that benefit citizens.
APM leaders back Makinde-Daura ticket
The party’s vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, reaffirmed the APM’s commitment to its political agenda and warned against attempts to infiltrate the party.
The APM National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and the party’s National Leader, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, also criticised the economic policies of the ruling party and expressed confidence in the Makinde-Daura ticket.
Former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was among those who delivered goodwill messages at the gathering.
Other speakers included the APM Deputy Director-General of Administration, Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, and retired civil servant Dr Layi Ogunbambi. They called for support for energetic leadership, youth participation and the protection of democracy and a multiparty political system.
The Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Makinde campaign organisation, Chief Eddy Olafeso, said responsible governance should be centred on serving the people.
Those present included Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, former deputy governor Hamid Gbadamosi, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin and former Speaker of the House, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, alongside other political stakeholders from the Southwest.
Makinde urged supporters to spread the Reset Nigeria message and mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
