The Governor of Oyo State and Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on the Southwest to lead a new national rebirth under the Reset Nigeria agenda.
He made the call at the APM Southwest Town Hall held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure.
Makinde described the Southwest as the historic vanguard of Nigeria’s progress and urged citizens to reject turn by turn politics and nepotism.
He dismissed suggestions that the region should not field other candidates because it currently holds the presidency, recalling that in 1999 both Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae contested without controversy.
He argued that leadership should be assessed by energy, competence, and readiness for national service, not entitlement.
He outlined the four pillars of the Reset Agenda; Education, Economy, Security, and Socio political Empowerment, emphasising that Nigeria’s prosperity depends on skills, knowledge, a secure environment, and a political system where opposition can thrive.
Makinde criticised the federal government’s unclear budgeting process and contrasted it with Oyo State’s consistent January–December budget cycle and over 70 per cent budget performance over the past seven years. He called for a productive economy where states receive their dues without delay and where taxation targets prosperity rather than poverty.
Makinde urged supporters to become “Reset Agents,” obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and take the Reset Nigeria message door to door. He insisted that the Southwest must again serve as the birthplace of Nigeria’s rebirth, declaring, “Together, we will reset Nigeria.”
APM Vice Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Lawal Daura, in his speech, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to resetting the country and warned members against political infiltration aimed at causing division. He stressed that the APM remains united and resolute.
In goodwill messages, former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; APM Deputy Director General (Administration), Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma; and retired civil servant Dr. Layi Ogunbambi, praised Makinde’s courage and urged Nigerian youths to support visionary and energetic leaders capable of addressing national challenges.
They also called for the protection of democratic institutions and the country’s multiparty system.
The party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, and National Leader, Senator Bala Mohammed, criticised the economic policies of the ruling party, saying they had deepened hardship across the country. They expressed confidence in the Makinde/Daura ticket, insisting that the APM can reset the nation and restore economic prosperity if elected in 2027.
Earlier, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Makinde–Daura Campaign Organisation, Chief Eddy Olafeso, said responsible governance must serve the people and affirmed that Makinde is prepared to redefine and reset Nigeria.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; former Speaker, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and other major Southwest stakeholders.
