Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has called on the Southwest to lead Nigeria’s national rebirth through his Reset Nigeria agenda, urging Nigerians to reject rotational politics, nepotism and leadership based on entitlement.
Makinde made the call on Wednesday at the APM Southwest Town Hall held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome, in Akure.
The Governor according to a statement Signed by his media adviser Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju described the Southwest as the historic vanguard of Nigeria’s progress, insisting that the region must once again take the lead in rebuilding the country through competent leadership, effective governance and inclusive development.
He dismissed arguments that the Southwest should not produce another presidential candidate because the region currently occupies the presidency, citing the 1999 presidential election in which Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae contested against each other without controversy.
According to him, leadership should be determined by energy, competence and preparedness for national service rather than claims of entitlement.
Makinde outlined the four pillars of his Reset Nigeria agenda as Education, Economy, Security and Socio-political Empowerment, stressing that national prosperity depends on the development of skills and knowledge, a secure environment and a political system that allows opposition parties to thrive.
He also criticised the Federal Government’s budgeting process, contrasting it with Oyo State’s January-to-December budget cycle and what he described as more than 70 per cent budget performance over the past seven years.
The governor called for a productive economy in which states receive their statutory entitlements without unnecessary delays, while taxation is designed to promote prosperity rather than deepen poverty.
Urging supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, Makinde called on them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and take the Reset Nigeria message to communities across the country.
He encouraged party members and supporters to become “Reset Agents”, insisting that the Southwest must once again serve as the birthplace of Nigeria’s national rebirth.
“Together, we will reset Nigeria,” he declared.
The APM vice-presidential candidate, Alhaji Lawal Daura, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to national renewal, warning members against alleged political infiltration intended to create division within its ranks.
Daura maintained that the party remained united and determined to pursue its political objectives.
In 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, commended Makinde’s courage and urged Nigerian youths to support leaders they considered capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
They also called for the protection of democratic institutions and the preservation of Nigeria’s multiparty system.
The APM National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, and the party’s National Leader, Senator Bala Mohammed, criticised the economic policies of the ruling party, arguing that they had worsened hardship across the country.
They expressed confidence in the Makinde–Daura presidential ticket, saying the APM could restore economic prosperity and reposition the country if elected in 2027.
Earlier, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Makinde–Daura Campaign Organisation, Chief Eddy Olafeso, said responsible governance must prioritise the welfare of the people.
He described Makinde as prepared to redefine leadership and lead efforts to reset the country.
Dignitaries at the event included Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; former Speaker and Senator, Monsurat Sunmonu; and other prominent stakeholders from across the Southwest.
The town hall formed part of the APM’s engagement with stakeholders in the region as the party advances its Reset Nigeria agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
