The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has said the growing public attention surrounding its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, particularly among young Nigerians, is an indication of increasing support for the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The party made the claim in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, who described Makinde’s reported popularity among youths as an encouraging development for the APM’s campaign.

Yusuf said the party believes Makinde has established a strong connection with young Nigerians through what he described as the governor’s support for their aspirations and participation in public affairs.

According to the APM spokesman, the response to Makinde’s candidacy reflects what the party considers to be public confidence in his proposed leadership agenda.

The party also pointed to Makinde’s participation during the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Oyo State and his opposition to the Federal Government’s 2021 suspension of Twitter, now known as X, as examples of his engagement with issues affecting young Nigerians.

Yusuf said Makinde’s position on the Twitter suspension was particularly relevant to young people who relied on the platform for communication, commerce and business activities.

APM Promotes ‘Reset Nigeria’ Agenda

The APM spokesman also highlighted Makinde’s proposed “Reset Nigeria Agenda”, which he said is focused on transparency, accountability and greater participation of citizens in political and economic governance.

The party said the agenda is intended to create a system in which citizens, particularly young Nigerians, have greater opportunities to participate in decision-making.

Makinde has separately called for greater transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, including the processes surrounding crude oil production, domestic allocation, refining, transportation, distribution and retail pricing.

The governor has also urged Nigerians to participate in what he describes as the “Reset Nigeria” conversation, saying the initiative should involve people across different sectors and communities.

Party Strengthens Campaign Structures

The APM said it was strengthening its political structures across the country ahead of the 2027 election.

Yusuf said the party would continue working to protect its votes and what it described as its mandate during the electoral process.

Makinde formally assumed duties at his presidential campaign office in Abuja on September 14, after the office was inaugurated earlier in the month. He was accompanied by his running mate, Lawal Daura, as the party continued preparations for the election.

The APM’s comments about Makinde’s popularity are the party’s own assessment and do not by themselves establish the level of nationwide electoral support for the candidate.

The 2027 presidential election remains ahead, with political parties and candidates continuing their preparations and campaigns.