Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has called on voters in Osun State to support the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections, including its Osun Central senatorial candidate, Ibrahim Adekunle.
Makinde made the appeal through Tunde Tijani, a member of the APM Elders Forum, at a campaign rally held in Osogbo on Thursday.
He urged residents to support Adekunle and other APM National Assembly candidates, presenting the party’s campaign as part of what he described as an effort to “reset” Nigeria.
Makinde also drew a parallel between the APM candidates’ current political prospects and his emergence as Oyo State governor seven years ago.
According to him, his lack of previous experience in elective political office had led some people to doubt his chances at the time.
“I urge the people of Osun to support Adekunle and all APM candidates as part of our collective effort to liberate ourselves from unemployment and hunger,” Makinde said.
Addressing supporters at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, Adekunle focused his campaign message on youth participation in politics and representation.
The senatorial candidate urged young Nigerians to see his candidacy as an opportunity to increase the number of younger people occupying elective positions.
“It is time to relegate older politicians from public office, and I charge the youth to start that shift with me,” he said.
Adekunle also called on citizens to demand accountability from elected officials rather than depend on personal appeals for basic responsibilities to be fulfilled.
“We must stop begging political officeholders for what is rightfully ours. As one of you, I understand your challenges, and I am ready to offer strong representation in the Senate if elected,” he said.
He further appealed to voters and political actors to reject violence and bitterness during the election season, advocating a peaceful electoral process.
Speaking at the occasion, Osun APM chairman, Adewale Adebayo, highlighted what he described as Adekunle’s record in education, healthcare, skills acquisition and youth development.
Adebayo said the party wanted representation in Osun Central to be measured by tangible benefits to constituents rather than simply by occupying a seat in the National Assembly.
“Representation must be tangible, create opportunities, attract development, and give the people a stronger voice,” Adekunle said.
He added that young Nigerians should move beyond participating mainly as supporters during election campaigns and seek a more direct role in decision-making.
The rally also featured the formal reception of defectors from other political parties into the APM. Party leaders pledged that the new members would enjoy equal rights and opportunities within the party structure.
Makinde was formally nominated as the APM’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election in May 2026. The party subsequently began its presidential campaign activities in September, with Makinde campaigning on a platform it describes as a national “reset.”
