Makinde has formally joined the 2027 presidential race by accepting his nomination as the APM’s presidential candidate, pledging to rebuild Nigeria through practical reforms, transparent governance, and people-centered leadership.
The event, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, drew political stakeholders, party leaders, delegates, and coalition partners from across the country, including representatives of the PDP and other allied groups under the emerging “Reset Nigeria Movement”.
Makinde, in his acceptance speech, said his ambition was not driven by personal interest but by the urgent need to restore hope and rebuild confidence in Nigeria.
The governor said Nigeria possessed the resources and capacity to overcome its challenges through honest leadership and practical reforms that directly impact citizens.
“I believe that we possess the capacity to rebuild our economy through honesty, discipline, and practical reforms. When I speak of practical reforms, I mean reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Makinde promised comprehensive reforms in the oil and gas sector, insisting that Nigerians must benefit from the country’s vast natural resources.
“Nigerians must benefit from the fact that we are an oil-producing nation, just as citizens of other resource-producing countries benefit from their natural wealth,” he said.
He added, “The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient, and commercially driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships, and institutional reforms.”
On food security, the presidential candidate said no nation blessed with abundant resources should allow its citizens to suffer from hunger.
“It is unacceptable that a nation blessed with abundant resources still has millions of citizens going to bed hungry,” he stated.
Makinde stressed that his campaign would focus on competence and solutions rather than empty promises.
He said, “I do not stand before you promising miracles. I am an engineer, not a miracle worker. What I promise is leadership that listens, leadership that learns, leadership that acts, and leadership that understands that the true purpose of government is to improve the lives of ordinary citizens,” Makinde added.
Earlier, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, led a high-powered delegation from the North-east to endorse Makinde’s candidacy, describing him as the leader Nigeria needs at a critical moment in its history.
Kemi Olaitan
