The governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on the South-West to lead a new national rebirth under the Reset Nigeria Agenda.
South-West as the lever for national rebirth
PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.
He made the call at the APM South-West Town Hall Meeting, held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, on Thursday.
Recall that the APM train was earlier, on Tuesday, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital for the South-South Town Hall Meeting.
While in Uyo, the APM presidential candidate went down the memory lane and recalled that the foundation of his success story was laid in the South-South, having worked in various parts of the region.
Governor Makinde, in Akure, described the South-West 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.
Makinde argued that leadership should be assessed by energy, competence, and readiness for national service, not entitlement.
He, again, 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 South-West 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.
The vice presidential candidate also stressed that the party remained united and resolute.
In their 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 both 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 South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Makinde–Daura Campaign Organisation, Chief Eddy Olafeso, said responsible governance must serve the people and affirmed that Makinde was prepared to redefine and reset Nigeria.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; former Speaker, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and other major South-West stakeholders.
