Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has affirmed that opposition forces will resist any plans to compromise the 2027 electoral cycle, cautioning against overriding the popular choice of the electorate in the forthcoming general elections. Makinde, who serves as the presidential flagbearer of the Allied People’s Movement, emphasized that the final results of the 2027 ballots must mirror the actual desires of the voters. He issued this warning during an interactive session with media representatives in Bauchi following a private meeting with the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
Expressing his stance on the integrity of the voting process, the governor stressed that manipulation will not be tolerated. He said, “They must not suppress the will of the people. They must not suppress whatever decision they are going to take, and we will ensure that does not happen.” He added, “We will not allow any electoral malpractice. The outcome must reflect the voice of Nigerians,”
Characterizing the current political landscape as highly unfavorable, Makinde described the period as one of the most challenging chapters in the political journey of the nation, though he expressed confidence that a positive political transformation was on the horizon. He stated, “Being in opposition, the political environment is very toxic. It is the darkest moment, I can say that to you. But when the day is about to break, that is the darkest point.” He further noted, “So, I can assure Nigerians that irrespective of the challenges we are faced with, the day is about to break for a new dawn in the country. Tomorrow, the sun will start rising again for Nigeria,”
Regarding the prospects of the Allied People's Movement in the upcoming presidential race, Makinde expressed optimism, noting that the ultimate decision rests entirely with the citizens of the country. He referenced his victory during the 2019 governorship race in Oyo State, which occurred when the All Progressives Congress held political control at both the state and national levels. He explained, “In Oyo State in 2019, as an opposition party then in the PDP, APC was ruling at the federal level and also at the state level, but we won.” He added, “It is the people. Democracy is about the people of Nigeria. We believe they will speak very loudly and clearly when the time comes,”
Addressing inquiries regarding the security situation within Oyo State, the governor urged observers to assess the situation objectively, pointing out that the state had maintained stability for a long period prior to recent events. He said, “I have been on this job for seven years and about two months. The insecurity you mentioned happened barely two months ago. For several years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State.” He noted, “I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at 4 p.m., and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,”
Earlier, Governor Bala Mohammed stated that his discussion with Makinde focused significantly on administrative affairs, regional security, and the strategic positioning of the Allied People’s Movement as a viable opposition platform. Mohammed said, “We came together to examine challenges, exchange ideas and learn from one another. Governor Seyi Makinde, as a seasoned engineer who has accomplished so much in Oyo State, is someone from whom I have learned a great deal,” He lauded the infrastructure and developmental projects executed by Makinde in Oyo State, observing that several of the initiatives ordinarily fall within the purview of the federal administration.
Mohammed added that both leaders thoroughly evaluated the security challenges confronting their respective states alongside the growth trajectory of the party ahead of the 2027 polls. He noted, “We also had extensive discussions on security, which remains a major challenge for us as chief security officers of our respective states. We shared experiences and explored ways of addressing these challenges collectively.” He further stated, “Most importantly, we discussed the future of our party, the APM, which is steadily growing into the next major opposition party in the country. The party is repositioning itself to play the role of a constructive opposition.” Mohammed concluded, “Governor Makinde, as our presidential candidate, is working tirelessly to ensure that our campaigns are issue-based, free from malice and driven by maturity, sound ideas and capable individuals who can deliver effective leadership,”
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