Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to collect money offered by politicians during election campaigns but vote according to their conscience.
Makinde spoke on Saturday at the official flag-off of the APM’s 2027 presidential campaign in Bauchi, where he presented his proposed “Reset Nigeria” agenda and promised to run an inclusive government if elected president.
The Oyo State governor told supporters that receiving campaign inducements should not compel voters to support the politicians who offer them.
“Don’t bother at all when they bring money; it is your money. Collect it, spend it, but vote your heart. And I know your heart is with us and with APM,” he said.
The campaign flag-off followed the party’s unveiling of its manifesto, which focuses on economic reforms, security restructuring, education and changes to Nigeria’s socio-political system.
Makinde identified hunger and economic hardship as major problems confronting Nigerians, arguing that the country needs a fundamental reset to address its economic, security and political challenges.
He questioned whether Nigeria should not reset its economy in response to widespread hardship, restructure its security architecture because of insecurity and overhaul its socio-political environment to address what he described as the exclusion of a majority of citizens from governance.
“Then there’s only one path for us. And the path is to reset Nigeria,” Makinde said.
He also pledged to establish a government of national unity that would promote wider participation in governance and accommodate Nigeria’s diversity.
Bauchi State Governor and APM National Leader, Bala Mohammed, backed Makinde’s candidacy, describing him as a performer with a record of achievement in Oyo State.
Mohammed said the party’s Reset Agenda was developed with contributions from consultants and experts to address Nigeria’s challenges.
He promised that an APM government would combine competence with equitable representation in public appointments.
“There are over 100,000 positions to be filled, but they must not be occupied by one ethnic group alone or skewed in favour of one tribe,” he said.
“There must be balance and adherence to the principle of federal character, alongside merit-based appointments that ensure the right people are placed in the right positions.”
Mohammed appealed to Makinde to ensure that Bauchi and the wider North-East receive equitable treatment if he becomes president.
“Insha Allah, we assure you, Mr President, that Bauchi is with you. We stand with you. What we are asking for in return is justice when you become president,” he said.
He said his decision to align with the APM was partly driven by his desire to move Bauchi into the mainstream of national politics and secure greater opportunities and support for the state.
The governor also recalled what he described as the injustice he and Makinde experienced within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the APM had provided them with a new political platform.
APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, said the party’s agenda would seek to address dishonesty and hypocrisy in Nigerian politics.
“The politics of deceit and hypocrisy are what are about to kill Nigerian democracy,” Daura said.
He pledged that an APM administration would promote accountability and ensure that Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion or background, had a place in governance.
Daura said the proposed government would involve citizens in developing a common national development plan, arguing that the ultimate measure of its success would be improved welfare and national progress rather than personal enrichment by public officials.
Meanwhile, APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle pledged greater political representation for women.
Dantalle said the party had established a dedicated directorate to promote women’s participation in governance and had engaged the National Assembly Joint Committee on the proposed special legislative seats for women.
He expressed regret that the proposal had not secured the legislative backing required for implementation but commended Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for initiating the proposal.
The chairman urged women to support the APM while holding its candidates accountable for their promises.
Makinde’s Bauchi campaign launch is part of the party’s nationwide mobilisation ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
