Makinde seeks opposition coalition ahead of 2027, says strong opposition sustains democracy

Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, APM, Seyi Makinde, has called for cooperation among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying a strong opposition is needed to give Nigerians a credible choice.

Makinde made the call on Thursday during the APM national convention held at the Dr Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu Square in Bauchi.

The governor urged the newly elected leadership of the party to engage other opposition groups and work towards forming a strong political alternative before the 2027 elections.

He said democracy could not function effectively without a credible opposition capable of challenging those in power and offering Nigerians different ideas and policies.

Makinde also called for a change in the way governments are assessed, saying Nigerians should look beyond speeches, policy announcements and campaign promises when judging leaders.

According to him, the real measure of government performance should be seen in areas such as the ability of families to afford basic food, access to jobs, security and improved living conditions.

He said the 2027 election should therefore focus on practical results and clear plans rather than political slogans.

The governor said anyone seeking the presidency should be prepared to explain what they would do differently and provide clear targets that Nigerians could use to assess their performance.

Makinde listed job creation, quality education, improved security and an economy capable of reducing poverty among the areas that should receive attention from the next government.

He also called for changes to Nigeria’s federal structure, advocating for more powers and resources to be moved closer to the people while maintaining proper accountability.

The Oyo governor further called for a political environment where disagreements do not lead to hostility between political opponents. He said opposition parties should focus on presenting better ideas and convincing voters rather than simply seeking to remove those in government.

He said the main goal ahead of 2027 should be to give Nigerians a genuine choice and allow them to compare the records, plans and ideas of those seeking their votes.

Also speaking at the convention, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed was formally inaugurated as the national leader of the APM.

Mohammed expressed confidence in the Makinde and Lawal Daura presidential ticket, describing Makinde as capable of leading the country and addressing its development challenges.

He said his new position came with a responsibility to serve the party and its supporters, promising that the leadership would work to meet their expectations.

Mohammed also pointed to Makinde’s engineering background as an advantage, saying his professional experience could help in planning and developing solutions to Nigeria’s economic and infrastructure problems.

The Bauchi governor further promised that the APM would pursue inclusive leadership and accommodate Nigerians from different backgrounds.

The party’s National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, who was re-elected, described the APM as a political platform capable of leading Nigeria towards greater development.

Dantalle said Nigeria had the natural and human resources needed to prosper but had suffered from leadership problems over the years.

He urged Nigerians across the country, regardless of ethnic, religious or cultural differences, to support the party and its plans for national development.

The national chairman also directed members to take the party’s message to communities, local governments and states as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

He expressed confidence that the APM could become a strong national political force and compete effectively in the next general election.