Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared his firm intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), asserting that his campaign relies entirely on God and the Nigerian electorate rather than political godfathers.
Speaking during a church service at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, and later on Jay FM radio, Makinde presented his political roadmap ahead of the party’s Plateau State rally at Rayfield Park. The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the next presidential poll for January 16, 2027.
The governor noted that just as he won the Oyo State governorship in 2019 without a political sponsor, he remains optimistic about replicating the feat on the national stage. He urged citizens, particularly religious leaders and youths, to actively engage in the electoral process to determine the nation’s future.
Advocating a Full Reboot of the Economy
Addressing national issues during his broadcast in Jos, Makinde argued that Nigeria requires a complete system reset rather than minor policy adjustments. Drawing a comparison to a malfunctioning computer, he explained that when a system repeatedly freezes, the most effective solution is to reboot rather than tweak failing software.
Makinde stressed that true economic progress must be judged by the daily reality of ordinary citizens rather than abstract statistical metrics.
- Real-world Impact: Economic health should be evaluated by whether people can afford basic sustenance, not just growth in external reserves or international financial ratings.
- Youth Focus: With Nigeria’s population projected to cross 300 million and over 70 percent under the age of 34, deliberate investments in skills, entrepreneurship, and production are urgent.
- Transparency: Governance must prioritize open communication about the country’s actual financial condition.
Decentralized Security Architecture and State Police
On security, Makinde reiterated his call for the establishment of state police to allow state governors to address security threats in their jurisdictions effectively. He pointed to the South-West region’s creation of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, as a successful intermediate measure that demonstrated how local intelligence gathering supports central security forces.
Acknowledging fears that state police could be misused by political leaders, Makinde argued that strict legal safeguards can prevent abuse. He suggested that states ready and equipped to launch local police units should be permitted to do so progressively rather than waiting for a nationwide rollout.
The Reset Nigeria Manifesto
Through his Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, Makinde unveiled the Reset Nigeria Manifesto, outlining commitments across four primary pillars:
- Security: Restructuring the national security layout and creating state-level policing options.
- Economy: Creating local manufacturing opportunities and focusing on street-level economic well-being.
- Education: Revitalizing higher education institutions into research hubs and upholding the free education legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
- Socio-Political System: Ensuring transparent leadership and accountability across public offices.
Recalling his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Makinde noted that he rejected mandatory full lockdowns in Oyo State to protect informal workers who relied on daily income. He maintained that his presidential administration would similarly rely on data, logic, and practical human needs to solve Nigeria’s complex challenges.
Responding to the presentation, COCIN President Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo encouraged Makinde to focus on solving widespread economic hardship and persistent insecurity, offering prayers for a peaceful political campaign.