Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has received the unanimous endorsement of delegates of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The endorsement was announced during the party’s presidential primary election held in Ibadan on Saturday, where delegates unanimously backed the governor to fly the party’s flag in the next presidential contest.
Speaking after his emergence, Makinde outlined what he described as a vision to reset Nigeria through economic revitalisation, governance reforms, and a restructuring of the nation’s security architecture.
The governor argued that Nigeria’s challenges require bold leadership and practical reforms capable of unlocking economic opportunities, strengthening institutions, and improving security across the country.
A key aspect of his message was the need to grant greater security powers to sub-national governments, including renewed advocacy for state policing and enhanced local security structures.
Makinde maintained that effective security management requires decentralised solutions that allow states to respond more swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
However, the timing of the presidential endorsement has generated mixed reactions, particularly on social media, where some Nigerians questioned the appropriateness of launching a presidential bid while Oyo State continues to grapple with the aftermath of a major school abduction crisis.
The criticism follows the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men abducted dozens of pupils and teachers after killing a Mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun.
More than two weeks after the incident, many of the victims remain in captivity despite ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.
Critics argue that public attention should remain focused on securing the release of the abducted children and teachers, while supporters of the governor insist that his presidential aspiration and the state’s security challenges are separate issues.
Supporters describe the endorsement as a bold step towards providing national leadership capable of addressing longstanding governance and security concerns across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has continued to assure residents that efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims remain ongoing.
Government officials have repeatedly stated that security agencies are working closely with relevant stakeholders and exploring all lawful options to ensure the safe return of the schoolchildren and teachers.
The development has further intensified political conversations ahead of the 2027 elections, with analysts suggesting that Makinde’s emergence may reshape discussions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape in the months ahead.
