… Receives Certificate in Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Saturday formally accepted his nomination as the Presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), pledging to rebuild Nigeria through practical reforms, transparent governance and people-centred leadership.
Saturday Telegraph reports that the event held at the Prof. Ogunlesi Hall, UCH, Ibadan drew political stakeholders, party leaders, delegates and coalition partners from across the country and representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other allied groups under the emerging “Reset Nigeria Movement.”
Makinde was presented with a Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the party, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, assisted by the Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau.
In his acceptance speech, Makinde said his ambition was not driven by personal interest but by the urgent need to restore hope and rebuild confidence in Nigeria, declaring that, “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”.
The governor said Nigeria possessed the resources and capacity to overcome its challenges through honest leadership and practical reforms that directly impact citizens. To him, “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.”
Makinde promised comprehensive reforms in the oil and gas sector, insisting that Nigerians must benefit from the country’s vast natural resources.
“Nigerians must benefit from the fact that we are an oil-producing nation, just as citizens of other resource-producing countries benefit from their natural wealth. The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient and commercially- driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships and institutional reforms.”
On food security, the presidential candidate said no nation blessed with abundant resources should allow its citizens to suffer hunger, noting that “It is unacceptable that a nation blessed with abundant resources still has millions of citizens going to bed hungry. We will begin by gathering accurate and reliable data on our agricultural capacity so that we can identify and address gaps in production, processing, storage and agricultural logistics.”
Explaining the focus of his campaign, Makinde said it would be on competence and solutions rather than empty promises, adding that: “This journey is not about one man’s ambition. It is about restoring faith in Nigeria. It is about rebuilding hope. It is about making the Nigerian dream achievable once again.
“I do not stand before you promising miracles. I am an engineer, not a miracle worker. What I promise is leadership that listens; leadership that learns; leadership that acts, and leadership that understands that the true purpose of government is to improve the lives of ordinary citizens”.
In his address, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, speaking through his Deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, who led a high-powered delegation from the North-East to endorse Makinde’s candidacy, described him as the leader Nigeria needs at a critical moment in its history.
“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, Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement,” he said.
Claiming that Makinde possessed the qualities required to lead Nigeria towards progress and national renewal, Jatau said, “We firmly believe that he is the leader Nigeria needs at this critical moment in our nation’s history. We are confident that he possesses the vision, competence, experience and commitment required to move Nigeria forward and deliver the leadership our people deserve.”
While assuring the APM candidate of support from the North-East and other parts of northern Nigeria, the delegation leader said, “I wish to assure our brothers and sisters gathered here today that Bauchi State, the North-East region, and indeed many patriotic Nigerians across the northern part of the country stand firmly behind the APM movement,” he stated.
He noted that both Oyo and Bauchi States shared common aspirations for a better Nigeria, saying, “The people of Oyo State and the people of Bauchi State share a strong bond of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect. Our destinies are interconnected, and our aspirations for a better Nigeria are the same.”
Addressing party delegates before the endorsement, the National Chairman of the APM Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, affirmed the aspiration of Makinde to contest as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He described Makinde’s emergence as a defining moment in the party’s history and the beginning of what he termed a national rescue mission.
His words, “Today, history has once again been made with the emergence of Engineer Seyi Makinde as the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement in one of the most peaceful presidential primaries ever conducted in Nigeria. The process was transparent, orderly and free of rancour, reflecting the spirit of unity and cooperation that brought together progressive forces committed to building a better Nigeria. This is democracy in action.”
The party chairman said the country urgently required a new generation of leadership driven by competence and integrity, emphasising that “The destiny of Nigeria is at stake. This is the time to reset Nigeria and redirect the nation toward justice, equity, dignity, prosperity and national development. The moment has come for a new generation of leadership: leadership with vision, integrity, competence and a genuine commitment to national development.”
Describing Makinde as “tested, trusted and equipped with the experience and vision required to lead our nation,” the chairman urged Nigerians to support the APM at all levels in the 2027 elections. He said, “We need leadership that prioritises human capital development, security, quality education, healthcare, agriculture, wealth creation, infrastructure development, technology and innovation, and youth empowerment. These are the values that Engineer Seyi Makinde represents.”
In his address of welcome, the governorship candidate of the APM in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, described the gathering as a historic moment for both the party and the country, saying, “On behalf of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, I welcome you all to this historic gathering and presidential declaration event of Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde.
“Today, we are united by a common purpose. Through the coalition of the PDP, APM and other progressive forces, we believe that the achievements recorded in Oyo State can be replicated across Nigeria”, he said.
According to him, Makinde’s record in governance provided a compelling case for national leadership as he said, “In the areas of infrastructure development, security, economic growth, good governance and improved standards of living, his administration has delivered tangible results. We believe that with the same commitment and vision, he can provide effective leadership for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In his goodwill message, the governorship candidate of the party in Lagos State, Laja Adeoye, also threw his weight behind the APM presidential candidate, saying Nigeria was yearning for competent and visionary leadership.
“The good news is that we are fortunate to have a leader we can proudly present to Nigerians in 2027. The Nigerian people are tired. There is hunger in the land. There is hardship across the country, and many families are struggling to make ends meet.
“That is why we have come together under the platform of the Allied People’s Movement. Oyo State has become a model for many states across Nigeria. In terms of infrastructure, good governance, investment attraction and economic development, the progress is visible for everyone to see.”
He added: “We know where Oyo State was in 2019, and we can see where it is today. Why has this transformation happened? Because we have leadership. We have a leader who is transparent, accountable and passionate about development.”
Expressing confidence in Makinde’s ability to replicate his achievements nationally, Adeoye declared: “If he can transform Oyo State, he can help transform Nigeria. Engineer Seyi Makinde has the vision to make that happen. He will bring development. He will create opportunities. He will empower the people.”
Also in attendance were delegates from other states of the federation including: Prince Babjide Rotimi (governorship candidate in Ogun state); Hon. Motunrayo Jayeola (Kwara Guber candidate); Adeyemo Basirat (Lagos state APM Chairman); as well as, the PRO of the party in Oyo state: Omo Bode Tosin and delegates from Abia, Anambra and Edo States.
