The Allied People’s Movement (APM), Lagos State, says Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde remains the most suitable presidential candidate the opposition coalition can present for the 2027 general elections.

Mr Makinde is the APM Presidential Candidate.

In a statement on Monday in Lagos, APM state publicity secretary, Ayodele Kazeem, said Mr Makinde possessed the leadership qualities, competence and national acceptability required to unite the opposition and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

According to him, APM’s position is based on Mr Makinde’s leadership record, governance style and performance rather than political sentiment or convenience.

Mr Kazeem said, “APM Lagos firmly believes that if the opposition is truly committed to presenting the Nigerian people with a credible alternative in 2027, then Governor Seyi Makinde stands out as the most qualified, competent and unifying candidate to fly the banner of the coalition.

“This position is not driven by emotion or political convenience. It is based on leadership, competence, performance and national acceptability.

“Governor Makinde has, over the years, built a reputation as a leader who governs with prudence, transparency and measurable results.

“Under his administration, Oyo State has recorded significant investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and security while maintaining a reputation for improved fiscal management and economic growth.

“His administration has frequently presented itself as focusing on expanding the state’s economy and internally generated revenue through investment and infrastructure.”

According to him, Nigerians need a president who truly understands governance.

Mr Kazeem said that Mr Makinde had demonstrated that government could work for the people.

“He (Makinde) has consistently shown that public resources can be managed responsibly without unnecessary extravagance. He has proven that development can be driven by planning rather than propaganda.

“He has demonstrated that government can deliver visible projects while maintaining fiscal discipline.

“Beyond his performance in Oyo State, Makinde possesses qualities that make him uniquely qualified to unite the opposition.

“He enjoys goodwill across party lines. He commands respect among governors irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.

He described Mr Makinde as a bridge-builder who had built political relationships across regions.

According to him, Mr Makinde’s calm disposition, listening ability and consensus-building approach are exactly what Nigeria requires after years of needless political tension and division.

“Unlike politicians whose appeal is restricted to one geographical region, Governor Makinde possesses the temperament and credibility to attract support across Nigeria.

“For the opposition coalition, electability is just as important as popularity. The coalition cannot afford to present a candidate who merely excites a section of the country but cannot build a national winning alliance.

“Makinde offers that balance. He represents generational leadership. He understands both the private and public sectors. He has executive experience

“He has demonstrated courage in taking difficult decisions while remaining accessible to the people,” Mr Kazeem said.

He pledged the party’s readiness to play a strategic role in mobilising support for the opposition coalition in Lagos State.

“The APM in Lagos is not merely participating in coalition discussions; it is actively building the structures required to translate public dissatisfaction into electoral victory,” he said.

According to him, APM’s governorship candidate, Prince Laja Adeoye, has activated a strategic coordinating role in developing a robust grassroots mobilisation framework.

He said that this had been designed to contribute over five million votes to the coalition’s presidential victory across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos.

“The strategy focuses on strengthening polling-unit structures across Lagos, expanding volunteer networks, mobilising young voters, women and professionals, intensifying voter registration and PVC collection campaigns.

“We are also deploying digital campaign platforms, recruiting and training election agents, and engaging community-based organisations, market associations, transport unions and faith-based groups.

“This is not a campaign built around personalities but around restoring hope to Nigerians through issue-based politics,” he said.

(NAN)