APM Candidate, Makinde Promises State Policing, Fair Petrol Pricing

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State yesterday emerged the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) for the 2027 general elections, unveiling what he described as a plan to “reset Nigeria” through security reforms, fair petroleum pricing and people-centred economic policies.

Makinde was presented the party’s flag and Certificate of Return by the national chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, during the party’s presidential primary and unveiling ceremony held at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall in Ibadan.

Before presenting the flag, Dantalle asked the 36 state chairmen of the party to indicate whether Makinde should be given the presidential ticket. The proposal was unanimously approved through a voice vote by delegates, making the Oyo governor the party’s consensus presidential candidate.

Dantalle said Makinde’s emergence was based on his record of governance and leadership in Oyo State over the past seven years.

He described the development as the beginning of a new political movement aimed at repositioning Nigeria.

“The event marks the birth of the Reset Nigeria Movement,” Dantalle said, adding that the initiative was the product of a peaceful presidential primary and a growing alliance of Nigerians seeking a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

According to him, Nigeria is at a critical crossroads and requires a fresh direction founded on equity, dignity and prosperity.

In his acceptance speech, Makinde said what should ordinarily have been a celebratory moment was overshadowed by growing insecurity in Oyo State and across the country.

“This should have been a moment for celebration as it marks my first step in seeking a mandate that will lead to the activation and actualisation of the Nigerian Dream. But the recent security situation here in Oyo State has turned this into a moment for deep introspection and reflection,” he said.

The governor said Nigerians were grappling with hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs and uncertainty about the future.

“Our nation is hurting. Millions of Nigerians are weighed down by hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs and uncertainty about tomorrow. Across the country, people are asking the same question: when will leadership truly begin to work for the ordinary citizen? When will we fulfil the Nigerian Dream?” he said.

Makinde argued that Nigeria could no longer rely on old approaches to governance.

“Nigeria must reset. We cannot continue recycling the same leadership approaches while expecting different results. A new direction must emerge; one built on competence, courage, accountability and compassion for the people,” he said.

On security, the governor lamented that many victims of kidnapping and terrorism, including schoolchildren, remained in captivity.

He also criticised the existing security framework, saying governors were designated as chief security officers without constitutional control over security agencies.

“Today, even as I stand here, some innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by terrorists are still in captivity. As governor of Oyo State, I carry the painful burden of being called chief security officer, yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies needed to fully confront these threats,” he said.

Makinde pledged to pursue reforms that would decentralise security management and empower states to tackle insecurity more effectively.