Oyo governor says Nigerians deserve a credible alternative built on measurable results, stronger federalism and better governance.
The presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has pledged to work with other opposition parties to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde, who is also the Oyo State Governor, made the declaration on Thursday at the APM national convention held at the Dr Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu Square, Government House, Bauchi.
He said a strong opposition was essential to sustaining democracy, urging the party’s new leadership to collaborate with other opposition groups and present Nigerians with a viable 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,” he said.
Makinde said the 2027 election should focus on measurable improvements in Nigerians’ lives rather than campaign slogans, promises and government announcements.
He said Nigerians should assess governments based on productivity, access to markets, family welfare and security, noting that policies should be judged by their impact on citizens.
“Security is not the number of security meetings in Government House. It is whether people come home and sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.
The APM candidate said the election should be a contest of ideas and evidence, with candidates explaining what they would do differently and the measurable changes Nigerians should expect.
He advocated an economy capable of lifting millions out of poverty, productive jobs for young people, quality education, effective security and a stronger federal structure that brings more decisions and resources closer to the people.
Makinde also called for a political system where disagreement does not turn opponents into enemies, stressing that opposition should involve presenting credible alternatives rather than merely seeking to remove those in power.
“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,” he said.
Speaking at the convention, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who was inaugurated as the APM national leader, expressed confidence in the Makinde-Lawal Daura presidential ticket.
Mohammed described Makinde as the best presidential candidate for Nigeria and pledged that the party would pursue inclusive governance if elected.
He said Makinde’s engineering background would help address Nigeria’s development challenges, while promising that the party’s administrators would support his leadership.
The re-elected National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, described the party as a formidable political platform capable of leading Nigeria to prosperity.
Dantalle urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and geopolitical divides to join the party, promising to take its message of hope, unity, development and democratic renewal to communities across the country.
He expressed confidence that the APM’s unity of purpose and commitment to Nigerians would position it for victory in the 2027 elections.