2027: We Must Give Nigerians a Real Choice, Not Just Seek Power — Makinde

By Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

The presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said the task ahead of the 2027 general elections goes beyond winning political power, stressing the need to give Nigerians a credible choice for the future.

Makinde stated this on Thursday at the APM National Convention held at the Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square in Bauchi State.

He described the emergence of the APM as timely, saying a credible opposition remains essential to the survival and growth of democracy.

According to him, political parties must move beyond the politics of opposition for its own sake and instead present Nigerians with credible alternatives capable of improving their lives.

Makinde urged the newly elected leaders of the party to collaborate with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for a political system built on trust, accountability and measurable results.

He described Bauchi as “the heartbeat not only of the north-eastern part of Nigeria but the entire northern Nigeria, and indeed the entire country,” noting the state’s historical significance as the home of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister at independence.

“The next political system must restore something that has steadily disappeared from our politics, and that thing is trust,” Makinde said.

“Nigerians must believe that when leaders make comments, those comments and their commitment must mean something.”

The APM presidential candidate outlined three principles he said should guide the party’s approach to politics.

He said political disagreements should not turn opponents into enemies; opposition parties should focus on presenting a “credible and demonstrably better alternative” 

Rather than merely seeking to remove those in power; and political parties with differences should still be able to agree that “Nigeria must work better for its people.”

Makinde said the 2027 election should therefore be a contest of ideas, urging political parties to debate evidence, compare records and present clear, measurable plans to the electorate.

“The task before 2027 is bigger than winning an election. It is to give Nigerians a real choice about the future of their country,” he said.

He challenged politicians seeking the trust of Nigerians to answer a fundamental question: 

“How will the lives of Nigerians be better because we were given the opportunity to lead?”

APM Chairman: Nigerians Are Tired of Empty Promises

Also speaking at the convention, the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, said the party was prepared to offer Nigerians a new political direction.

Dantalle said Nigerians were tired of what he described as lies, deception and political intrigue, adding that the country needed leadership focused on tangible and measurable results.

He expressed concern over the continued killings and displacement of Nigerians across the country’s geopolitical zones, stressing the urgent need for practical solutions to the challenges confronting citizens.

The party chairman also highlighted the importance of access to education and healthcare, arguing that Nigerians in the past enjoyed better access to essential social services.

Dantalle further criticised the treatment of Nigerians in some foreign countries, arguing that Nigeria had historically contributed significantly to the development of some of those countries.

He urged APM supporters to take the party’s message to Nigerians “from person to person, house to house,” as the party begins its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.