Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the successful conclusion of the party's presidential primary election.
Makinde was officially presented with the party's Certificate of Return and presidential flag by the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, during the Presidential Primary Election and Unveiling Ceremony held at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event attracted party leaders, delegates, supporters, and stakeholders from across the country, marking a significant milestone in the party's preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Before presenting the certificate and party flag, Dantalle invited the chairmen of the party from all 36 states of the federation to publicly affirm Makinde's candidacy. The proposal was greeted with a loud and unanimous voice vote from delegates, paving the way for his official emergence as the party's standard-bearer.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dantalle described Makinde as a leader with a proven track record, citing his performance as Governor of Oyo State over the last seven years as evidence of his commitment to good governance and the welfare of the people.
According to the APM National Chairman, Makinde's emergence was based on his leadership qualities, political experience, and the confidence reposed in him by party members nationwide.
He further stated that the event signified the birth of what he described as the "Reset Nigerian Movement," a political movement aimed at offering Nigerians a fresh direction anchored on inclusiveness, accountability, and national development.
Dantalle explained that Makinde's candidacy also represents a growing alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bloc loyal to the Oyo governor and the APM, with the objective of building a broader political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Presenting the party flag to the governor, Dantalle described him as a seasoned political strategist and a resilient leader whose governance style has transformed Oyo State and inspired confidence among Nigerians seeking a new political direction.
He added that the journey to the Presidential Villa had officially begun, expressing optimism that the APM would emerge as a formidable force in the forthcoming general election.
In his acceptance remarks, Makinde thanked party leaders, delegates, and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to provide visionary leadership capable of addressing Nigeria's economic, security, and governance challenges.
He assured party members that his campaign would focus on national unity, economic growth, youth empowerment, improved security, and institutional reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development.
The governor called on Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides to join the movement for a better and more prosperous nation.
The emergence of Makinde as the APM presidential candidate is expected to reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 election, as parties continue to build alliances and mobilize support across the country.