Oyo State Governor and Allied People’s Movement (APM) presidential aspirant, Seyi Makinde, has vowed that the opposition will resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigerians’ votes must determine the country’s next leaders.
Makinde made the declaration in Bauchi after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, where both leaders discussed governance, security and strategies to strengthen the APM as a viable opposition platform ahead of the next general election.
Speaking to journalists, the Oyo governor warned against any effort to undermine the democratic process, stressing that the will of the electorate must be respected.
“They must not suppress the will of the people. They must not suppress whatever decision they are going to take, and we will ensure that does not happen. We will not allow any electoral malpractice. The outcome must reflect the voice of Nigerians,” Makinde said.
Describing the nation’s political atmosphere as “toxic,” the governor expressed optimism that Nigeria was on the verge of a political transformation, saying the current challenges could signal the beginning of a new era.
Speaking on the APM’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Makinde maintained that Nigerians—not political parties or those in power—would ultimately decide the outcome. He cited his victory in the 2019 Oyo State governorship election as evidence that the people’s mandate can prevail despite the ruling party controlling government at both the federal and state levels.
“In Oyo State in 2019, we were in the opposition while the APC controlled both the federal and state governments, yet we won because the people spoke,” he said.
On the security situation in Oyo State, Makinde acknowledged recent incidents but noted that the state had remained largely peaceful throughout most of his seven-year administration. He also suggested that some of the security challenges emerged shortly after he declared his presidential ambition.
Governor Bala Mohammed, in his remarks, said the meeting focused on governance, security and consolidating the APM as a strong opposition force. He praised Makinde’s leadership in Oyo State, describing him as a governor whose developmental achievements have earned widespread national recognition.