•Security, fuel prices, food top ‘Reset Nigeria’ agenda

By Adeola Badru

The political journey to wards the 2027 presidential election gathered momentum on Saturday as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, formally accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), pledging to rebuild Nigeria through practical reforms, transparent governance and people-centred leadership.

The event, held in Ibadan, drew political stakeholders, party leaders, delegates and coalition partners from across the country, including representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other allied groups under the emerging “Reset Nigeria Movement”.

In his acceptance speech, Makinde said his ambition was not driven by personal interest but by the urgent need to restore hope and rebuild confidence in Nigeria.

“I stand before you today with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility as I accept the nomination to serve as the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.

The governor said Nigeria possessed the resources and capacity to overcome its challenges through honest leadership and practical reforms that directly impact citizens.

“I believe that we possess the capacity to rebuild our economy through honesty, discipline and practical reforms. When I speak of practical reforms, I mean reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

Makinde promised comprehensive reforms in the oil and gas sector, insisting that Nigerians must benefit from the country’s vast natural resources. “Nigerians must benefit from the fact that we are an oil-producing nation, just as citizens of other resource-producing countries benefit from their natural wealth,” he said.

He added: “The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient and commercially driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships and institutional reforms.”

On food security, the presidential candidate said no nation blessed with abundant resources should allow its citizens to suffer hunger.