APM will reject any attempt to manipulate peoples mandate come 2027 – Governor Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the opposition will reject any attempt to manipulate the 2027 electoral process, warning against suppressing the will of the people in the general elections.

Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, said the outcome of the 2027 polls must reflect the wishes of the electorate.

He gave the warning in Bauchi while speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

Governor Makinde, who described the country’s current political climate as “toxic” and one of the darkest periods in the nation’s history, expressed optimism that a new political dawn was approaching.

Speaking on the APM’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Makinde said the party was confident because Nigerians would ultimately determine the outcome of the poll.

“We will not allow any electoral malpractice. The outcome must reflect the voice of Nigerians,” he said.

He recalled how he emerged victorious in the 2019 Oyo State governorship election despite the dominance of the then-ruling All Progressives Congress at both the federal and state levels.

Addressing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, the governor argued that the recent security challenges should be viewed in proper context, noting that the state had enjoyed years of relative peace before the incidents.

Earlier, Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State said his meeting with Makinde centred on governance, security and the future of the APM as an opposition party.

He commended Makinde’s developmental strides in Oyo State, saying the governor had executed projects that ordinarily fall within the responsibility of the Federal Government.

Mohammed added that both governors also discussed security challenges affecting their states and the growth of the APM ahead of the 2027 presidential candidate, is working tirelessly to ensure that our campaigns are issue-based, free from malice and driven by maturity, sound ideas and capable individuals who can deliver effective leadership.

“We came together to examine challenges, exchange ideas and learn from one another. Governor Seyi Makinde, as a seasoned engineer who has accomplished so much in Oyo State, is someone from whom I have learned a great deal,” Mohammed said.