The presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, warned on Friday that Nigerians' voices must be heard during the 2027 general elections.
He gave this warning in Bauchi after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and the national leadership of the APM.
Makinde said the results of the 2027 polls must show what the people want. He stressed that the opposition will fight any attempt to rig the elections.
"The same thing is going to happen this time around. They must not suppress the will of the people. They must not suppress whatever decision they are going to take, and we will ensure that happens."
He added, "We will not allow any electoral malpractice. The outcome must reflect the voice of Nigerians."
Makinde called Nigeria’s current political atmosphere "toxic" and said it is one of the hardest times in the country’s history. But he believes a new political era is coming.
"Being in opposition, the political environment is very toxic. It is in the darkest moments, I can say that to you. But when the day is about to break, that is the darkest point."
He assured Nigerians that despite the challenges, a new dawn is near. "Tomorrow, the sun will start rising again for Nigeria," he stated.
Speaking about the APM’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Makinde expressed confidence. He said Nigerians will decide the election’s outcome.
He recalled how he won the Oyo State governorship in 2019, despite the then-ruling All Progressives Congress being in power at both federal and state levels.
"In Oyo State in 2019, as an opposition party then in the PDP, APC was ruling at the federal level and also at the state level, but we won."
He continued, "It is the people. Democracy is about the people of Nigeria. We believe they will speak very loudly and clearly when the time comes."
On the issue of insecurity in Oyo State, the governor said recent security problems should be seen in context. He pointed out that the state had enjoyed years of peace before the recent events.
"I have been on this job for seven years and about two months. The insecurity you mentioned happened barely two months ago. For several years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State."
He also mentioned, "I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at 4 p.m., and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted."
Makinde explained that state governments face challenges due to Nigeria’s security structure. He said they are seen as the chief security officers but lack full control.
"My brother here and I are the Chief Security Officers of our states, but I cannot give instructions to the Commissioner of Police. He needs approval from the Inspector-General of Police. The Director of DSS also requires clearance from the Director-General, and the same applies to the military."
He added, "Yes, I can declare a curfew, but how does that support the economic activities of the people? We are doing our best to work with the federal authorities."
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