I Want Nigerians To Hold Me Accountable, Says Makinde

The Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence in his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election, declaring that his aspiration is backed by God Almighty and the support of Nigerians.

Makinde stated this on Sunday during a church service at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos, Plateau State, where he called for divine intervention and a new direction for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election, according to a statement from Hon. Richard Nnanna Ihediwa, Director of Strategic Communications of the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Council.

The Oyo governor is in Jos ahead of the APM presidential campaign rally scheduled to hold at Rayfield Park, Jos, on Monday.

The APM presidential candidate, according to the statement, lamented that the country urgently needs an economic, social and political reset after years of poor leadership, particularly over the last three and a half years.

He said the need to address Nigeria’s challenges and improve the living conditions of citizens inspired his RESET NIGERIA Manifesto, which he described as a comprehensive blueprint for national transformation.

Makinde maintained that his presidential ambition was not dependent on political godfathers or influential individuals but on God and the Nigerian people.

He expressed optimism that God would show mercy to the country by providing the right leadership through the 2027 presidential election.

Recalling his political journey to becoming governor of Oyo State, Makinde said he had faced similar doubts in 2018 when he declared his intention to contest the governorship election without the backing of established political power brokers.

According to him, when he announced his ambition to become governor, someone questioned his chances, asking whether he meant governor of a Rotary District and who his political godfather was.

He said he responded that although he had no political godfather, he had God the Father, a conviction he said eventually led to his emergence as governor.

“This time around, we also have God the Father and that God will be merciful unto Nigeria and He will show us mercy in this country,” the APM presidential candidate stated.

Makinde also highlighted his record in Oyo State, saying his administration’s approach to governance was anchored on planning, transparency and accountability.

He explained that during his first term, he developed a roadmap for the development of Oyo State covering 2019 to 2023.

According to him, upon seeking a second term, he produced another development roadmap covering 2023 to 2027 to ensure continuity and sustainable development.

He said the documents provided clear policy direction and helped his administration deliver on its commitments to the people.

The APM presidential candidate disclosed that he had adopted a similar approach in preparing for the presidency by developing the RESET NIGERIA Agenda, which focuses on four major pillars: security, the economy, education and the socio-political space.

Presenting the RESET NIGERIA Manifesto to the church leadership, Makinde urged Nigerians to hold him accountable for the commitments contained in the document.

“I want Nigerians to be able to hold me accountable, not just through promises but through documented commitments. Everything is written down in black and white, and I am prepared to be held accountable for everything contained in this document,” he said.

He further urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to take an active interest in politics and participate fully in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde stressed that citizens must be prepared to exercise their democratic rights and ensure that their choices are reflected in the outcome of the election.

“Please, get ready and participate. History is about to happen again,” he urged.

Addressing the congregation, the President of COCIN, Rev. Dr. Amos Musa Mohzo, drew the candidate’s attention to the major challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Mohzo prayed for Makinde’s success in the 2027 presidential election and encouraged him to remain committed to his ambition, expressing confidence that the will of God would prevail in his destiny.