The 2027 presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians dissatisfied with the state of the country to support his bid to reset Nigeria, citing hunger, insecurity and exclusion from governance as major challenges.
Makinde made the appeal on Saturday in Bauchi State during the flag-off of the APM’s presidential campaign, where he called for reforms in the economy, security architecture and the country’s socio-political system.
The Oyo State governor also urged voters to accept money offered by politicians during campaigns but vote according to their conscience.
“If you are not happy with the way things are in our country today, if you are not happy that there is not enough inclusivity, and if you are not happy that your government cannot tell you the truth or handle our issues with sincerity, then there is only one path for us. And that path is to reset Nigeria.
“We look forward to the Reset Agents. And do not bother at all when they bring money; it is your money. Collect it, spend it, but vote your heart. And I know your heart is with us and with the APM,” he said.
Bauchi State Governor and APM National Leader, Bala Mohammed, urged Makinde to ensure justice, equity and inclusiveness if elected president, warning against the marginalisation of any part of the country.
Mohammed said the proposed government of national unity should reflect Nigeria’s diversity and provide equal opportunities for citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
The governor, who endorsed Makinde’s candidacy, said he expected the proposed administration to uphold the federal character principle in appointments while ensuring that merit was not sacrificed.
“There are over 100,000 positions to be filled, but they must not be occupied by one ethnic group alone or skewed in favour of one tribe. There must be balance and adherence to the principle of federal character, alongside merit-based appointments that ensure the right people are placed in the right positions,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed said he was backing Makinde because of what he described as the governor’s record of performance in Oyo State and his ability to manage the country’s diversity.
The APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, said the party was committed to increasing women’s representation in politics, adding that it had established a directorate dedicated to women’s affairs.
The party’s vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, criticised what he described as deceit and hypocrisy in Nigerian politics, saying the APM’s Reset Agenda would promote honesty, accountability and inclusive governance.
Daura said the agenda would provide opportunities for Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, to participate in government and contribute to national development.
“The politics of deceit and hypocrisy are what are about to kill Nigerian democracy. The APM, through its Reset Agenda, is determined to fight these ills and ensure that anyone who finds themselves in government will have no choice but to be honest, sincere and committed to the cause of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Makinde’s emergence as the APM’s presidential candidate followed an alliance involving his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party and the party.
The APM had earlier announced that he would begin his nationwide campaign in Bauchi before taking his message to other states.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential election.
