Governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), ‘Seyi Makinde, has urged the Southwest to spearhead Nigeria’s rebirth, calling on the region to reject nepotism and politics of entitlement.
Makinde made the call at the APM Southwest Town Hall held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, The Dome, Akure, where he unveiled the party’s Reset Nigeria agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described the Southwest as a historic vanguard of Nigeria’s progress, arguing that the region must once again lead the country towards national renewal rather than surrendering its political aspirations to the notion of turn-by-turn leadership.
The governor dismissed suggestions that the Southwest should not produce another presidential candidate because the presidency is currently held by someone from the region.
Citing the 1999 presidential election, when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae contested, he said leadership should be determined by competence, energy and readiness for national service, not entitlement.
Makinde outlined the four pillars of his Reset Nigeria agenda as education, economy, security and socio-political empowerment, stressing that national prosperity depends on a skilled population, a productive economy, a secure environment and a political system that allows the opposition to thrive.
He also criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s unclear budgeting process, contrasting it with Oyo State’s January-to-December budget cycle and reported budget performance of more than 70 per cent over the past seven years.
He called for an economy that rewards productivity, ensures states receive their rightful allocations without unnecessary delays and adopts a tax system that promotes prosperity rather than deepening poverty.
Urging supporters to become “Reset Agents,” Makinde charged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and take the party’s message to communities across the country.
He maintained that the Southwest must reclaim its place at the forefront of national transformation, declaring, “Together, we will reset Nigeria.”
The APM vice-presidential candidate, Alhaji Lawal Daura, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to national renewal and warned members against political infiltration intended to create divisions within its ranks.
Daura said the party remained united and resolute in its determination to offer Nigerians an alternative leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
In goodwill messages, former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; APM Deputy Director-General (Administration), Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma; and retired civil servant, Dr Layi Ogunbambi, praised Makinde’s courage and urged Nigerian youths to support energetic and visionary leaders capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
They also called for the protection of democratic institutions and the preservation of Nigeria’s multiparty system.
The APM National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, and National Leader, Senator Bala Mohammed, criticised the economic policies of the ruling party, arguing that they had worsened hardship across the country.
They expressed confidence in the Makinde–Daura ticket, saying the APM could reset the country and restore economic prosperity if elected in 2027.
Earlier, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Makinde–Daura Campaign Organisation, Chief Eddy Olafeso, said responsible governance must prioritise the welfare of the people, adding that Makinde was prepared to redefine leadership and reset Nigeria.
The event was attended by the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; former Speaker and Senator, Monsurat Sunmonu; and other stakeholders from across the Southwest.
