Makinde Wants Opposition Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections

Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, has said the party will team up with other opposition parties. This is to give Nigerians a reliable option in the 2027 general elections.

Makinde, who is also the Governor of Oyo State, made this statement on Thursday. He spoke during the APM national convention at the Dr Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu Square, Government House, Bauchi.

He emphasized that a strong opposition is key for democracy to thrive. He urged the new party leadership to collaborate with other opposition parties to offer a credible alternative in 2027.

“As I said, the presence of a credible opposition is what sustains democracy. So, our new leaders must be ready to work with other opposition parties to ensure that we give Nigeria an incredible alternative in the 2027 general election,” Makinde said.

The governor stressed that the 2027 election should focus on clear results, not just political slogans or campaign promises. He said, “For too long, we have measured governors by announcements. We are presented with policy after policy, rather than evidence of where those policies have made people’s lives better.

“When our mothers go to the market, they experience economic policy as a statistic. They experience it in what their money can buy: how much rice, how much beans, and how much they can take home.

“We experience job creation policy through a press statement. The experience is whether you can find productive work.”

Makinde said Nigerians should judge governments based on real results, access to markets, family welfare, and security. He stated, “Security is not the number of security meetings in Government House. It is whether people come home and sleep with their two eyes closed.”

The APM candidate pointed out that the 2027 election should be about ideas and real evidence. Candidates should explain how their policies will improve lives in Nigeria. He said, “The 2027 election should not simply be about what government has done. It should be about what has changed for Nigerians.

“Those of us who offer ourselves as alternatives must answer the question: What exactly will we do differently, and what measurable difference should Nigeria expect to see?”

Makinde believes Nigeria needs an economy that can lift many people out of poverty, create jobs for youth, provide quality education, and ensure effective security. He called for a stronger federal structure, saying decisions and resources should be closer to the people with better accountability.

“We need a federation in which more decisions and resources are brought closer to the people, accompanied by greater accountability for results,” he said.

The governor also asked for a political system that rebuilds trust between leaders and citizens. He said political disagreement should not make opponents enemies. He mentioned, “We want a politics where disagreement does not make us enemies; a politics where opposition is not merely about removing those in power, but about presenting a credible and demonstrating a better alternative.”

Makinde added that the main goal before 2027 should be to give Nigerians a true choice about their country's future. He said, “The task before all of us is bigger than winning an election. It is to give Nigerians a real choice about the future of their country.

“Let the coming campaign be a contest of ideas. Let us debate the evidence. Let us compare records. Let everyone seeking to lead Nigerians answer one simple question: How will the lives of Nigerians be better because we were allowed to lead?”

In his speech, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who was named the national leader of the party, showed confidence in the Makinde and Lawal Daura presidential ticket. He called Makinde the best candidate for Nigeria and promised that the party would create an all-inclusive government if elected.

Mohammed said the recognition as national leader comes with big responsibilities. He promised that the party leadership would not let its members and supporters down. “The recognition you have given us is going to give us a lot of challenges. It is for us to do more for you. By the grace of God, we will not disappoint you,” Mohammed said.

He added that Makinde’s engineering background would help tackle the country’s development issues, and the party’s administrators would back his leadership. He said, “We are putting square pegs in square holes. Our presidential candidate is an engineer by profession. He knows how to manufacture, develop and draw a plan, and we as administrators are behind him.”

Mohammed also promised that the APM would work to include Nigerians from all backgrounds and provide inclusive leadership. The re-elected National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, described the party as a strong vehicle for leading Nigeria to prosperity.

Dantalle stated that Nigeria has many resources but has faced leadership problems. He urged Nigerians from all regions and backgrounds to support the APM's vision of a stronger and more prosperous country. He said, “We have everything we need. Nigerians are not supposed to be slaves in their own country. God has given this country the greatness that we require.

“We call on all Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, across ethnic, religious and cultural divides, to identify with the Allied People’s Movement because our party is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria.”

Dantalle said the APM aims to be a trustworthy national political movement. He urged party members and supporters to spread its message of hope, unity, development, and democratic renewal in every local government and community. He said, “Let us take our message of hope, unity, development and democratic renewal to everyone, every local government, state and community.

“That is what I earlier referred to as ‘Operation Talk to Somebody, Talk to Somebody, Talk to Somebody’ until somebody gets to know that APM is a party to take you.”

The national chairman expressed confidence that the party will succeed in the 2027 elections. He said its unity, clear vision, and commitment to Nigerians would lead to victory.