Makinde predicts APC’s defeat in 2027, says Nigerians are ready for change
Oyo State Governor and Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence that Nigerians will vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the polls would serve as a referendum on the party’s performance.
Makinde made the declaration on Saturday, November 14, 2026, during the official flag-off of the APM presidential and governorship campaigns in Oyo State, held at Durbar Stadium, Oyo, where thousands of party supporters, leaders and stakeholders gathered.
The governor said Nigerians were determined to take their destiny into their hands through the ballot, expressing confidence that the APM would secure victory across the country and in Oyo State.
Congratulating the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and other candidates, Makinde said residents of the state had embraced the party and would demonstrate their support during the January 16 and February 6, 2027 elections.
He urged party members and supporters not to be intimidated but to intensify mobilisation across their wards and local government areas, stressing that the APM remained united and committed to delivering good governance.
Speaking at the event, Adekanmbi declared his readiness to build on the achievements of the Makinde administration and take Oyo State to greater heights if elected governor.
He praised Makinde’s performance in office, describing his achievements as the foundation for the governor’s presidential ambition and the decision to recommend a successor capable of sustaining the state’s developmental strides.
According to Adekanmbi, Makinde has demonstrated the leadership capacity needed to transform Nigeria, adding that he would replicate and surpass the governor’s achievements in Oyo State.
He criticised the APC-led Federal Government, saying Nigerians were experiencing economic hardship, insecurity and rising poverty despite previous promises of a better country.
“We are happy today and we thank God. We also thank our leader, Governor Makinde, because if he had not governed well, he would not have had the confidence to push for continuity.
“He has done well for the people of Oyo State. Beyond what he has achieved in the state, he now seeks to replicate these successes across Nigeria as President in 2027,” Adekanmbi said.
He called on residents and Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to participate actively in the forthcoming elections.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantale, described Oyo State as fortunate to have credible candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing optimism that the party would produce Nigeria’s next president.
Dantale described Makinde as a pragmatic, proactive and dynamic presidential candidate with the capacity to lead the country towards prosperity.
He also said Adekanmbi was well positioned to sustain the governor’s development agenda and ensure continuity of good governance in the state.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, also urged party members to return to their respective wards and local government areas to canvass support for the party’s candidates.
In separate goodwill messages, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Nureni Akanbi; and Chief Jacob Adetoro commended Makinde’s achievements in education, healthcare and other sectors, urging residents to vote for the APM in 2027.
Representatives of traders, teachers, persons living with disabilities and students also praised the administration for its inclusive policies, empowerment programmes, employment opportunities, bursary payments and investments in education.
They pledged their support for the party ahead of the elections.
Earlier, Chairman of the APM Apex Campaign Council, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, urged members to conduct peaceful campaigns and mobilise support for the party.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of party flags to Adekanmbi, his running mate and the party’s senatorial candidates for Oyo South, Oyo Central and Oyo North: Hon. Dhikrullahi Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo), Hon. Ajadi Olufemi Oguntoyinbo and Hon. Shina Abiola Peller.
The party’s 14 House of Representatives candidates and 32 House of Assembly candidates also received their flags.
The event was attended by former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Bashorun Akinwole Akinwale; commissioners, local government chairmen and other party leaders and stakeholders.
