The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has described the “growing popularity” of its presidential candidate, and Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, particularly among young Nigerians, as a strong indication of the party’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Abubakar Yusuf, stated this on Monday, just as Makinde formally resumed at his presidential campaign office in Abuja in company with his running mate, Alhaji Lawal Daura.

Makinde had inaugurated the campaign office on September 7 but formally assumed duties there on Monday, September 14, as the APM intensified preparations for the 2027 election.

Yusuf said the enthusiasm surrounding Makinde’s candidacy was especially significant because of the governor’s longstanding relationship with young people and his record of supporting their legitimate aspirations.

According to him, “The widespread popularity of our presidential candidate, especially among young people, is a heartwarming signpost of the APM’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.”

He said Nigerians could distinguish between election rhetoric and genuine commitment to public service, adding that the growing support for Makinde reflected the confidence young people had in his leadership.

The APM spokesman recalled Makinde’s participation in the 2020 EndSARS protests, saying the governor personally joined the youths and directed security agencies in Oyo State to protect their right to peaceful protest.

Yusuf also cited Makinde’s opposition to the Federal Government’s suspension of Twitter, now X, in June 2021, noting that the governor had argued that the ban would adversely affect young Nigerians who relied on the platform for communication, e-commerce and business activities.

He noted that the support for Makinde was also linked to the governor’s proposed “Reset Nigeria Agenda”, which he said would promote probity, transparency and accountability while giving young Nigerians greater opportunities to participate in political and economic governance.

Yusuf added that the APM did not take the confidence reposed in Makinde for granted, stating that the party was strengthening its structures across the country to protect its votes and mandate in 2027.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and participate actively in the election, stressing that the party would resist, within the ambit of the law, any attempt to undermine what he described as the people’s mandate for the Makinde-Daura ticket.

Makinde, shortly on arrival at the office, held consultations with various groups but said he would address the media at the appropriate time. (Nigerian Tribune)