RismadarVoice Reporters
November 9, 2026
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence in his 2027 presidential ambition, declaring that he has the support of God and Nigerians rather than political godfathers.
Makinde made the statement during a church service at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos, Plateau State, on Sunday.
According to a statement by his Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the governor said his presidential ambition was motivated by the need to address Nigeria’s economic, security, educational and governance challenges.
Recalling his emergence as Oyo State governor in 2019, Makinde said he had faced doubts about his political prospects because he lacked influential political sponsors.
He maintained that his experience demonstrated the importance of faith and public support in pursuing political leadership.
The governor also presented his Reset Nigeria Manifesto to church leaders, pledging to make himself accountable for the commitments contained in the document.
He explained that his proposed agenda focuses on four major areas: security, the economy, education and the socio-political system.
Speaking during a radio programme in Jos ahead of the APM’s Plateau State campaign rally, Makinde argued that Nigeria required fundamental changes rather than limited reforms.
On the economy, he said government performance should be assessed through improvements in citizens’ living conditions rather than economic statistics alone.
He advocated greater investment in education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and productive activities to create employment opportunities.
Addressing insecurity, Makinde promised to pursue the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised security arrangements would enable state governments to respond more effectively to local threats.
He acknowledged concerns that governors could misuse state police against political opponents but maintained that appropriate safeguards and oversight mechanisms could address such risks.
The governor cited the South-West security network, Amotekun, as an example of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges.
On education, Makinde expressed support for expanded access to learning, citing the educational philosophy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He also urged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process and assess political candidates based on their documented commitments.
Earlier, COCIN President, Rev. Dr Amos Mohzo, urged the governor to prioritise insecurity and economic hardship.
Makinde began his presidential campaign in Bauchi State over the weekend before proceeding to Plateau State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027.
