APM vice‑presidential candidate backs Seyi Makinde as top contender for 2027 Nigerian election

Alhaji Lawal Daura, the vice‑presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), publicly stated that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is the strongest contender for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. Daura made the remarks on Saturday at the APM presidential campaign headquarters in Abuja while receiving leaders of the Northern Patriotic Front (NPF). He argued that Makinde’s performance as governor, his youth and his appeal across both northern and southern regions place him above rivals such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

During a separate event, Makinde spoke to a town‑hall gathering of stakeholders from the Southeast, pledging to address the country’s high interest rates and to enhance access to long‑term financing. He linked these measures to a broader strategy of industrialisation, emphasizing the need to expand manufacturing in the region to create jobs and reduce poverty.

Background

The APM, a relatively new political formation, has positioned Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, with Daura as his running mate. At the party’s campaign headquarters in Abuja, the NPF delegation was received, and Daura reiterated the ticket’s pledge to establish a four‑year all‑inclusive transitional government of national unity. According to Daura, this framework is designed to reset Nigeria’s economy, education system, security architecture and socio‑political environment.

Daura’s statements echo similar comments published in multiple outlets on 31 October 2026, where he highlighted Makinde’s record of performance, transparency and accountability in public office. The vice‑presidential candidate also stressed that the proposed administration would focus on national renewal, addressing fundamental challenges and promoting inclusive governance.

Makinde’s own campaign message, delivered at the Southeast town‑hall, stressed that the region’s economic potential extends beyond trade to manufacturing hubs such as Onitsha and Nnewi. He argued that high interest rates and limited long‑term credit facilities hinder business expansion and job creation, and pledged to create an enabling environment for enterprises across the country.

Why it matters

The APM’s endorsement of Makinde seeks to consolidate support in both the North and South, aiming to overcome ethnic and religious voting patterns that have historically shaped Nigerian elections. By presenting a “competent and credible” candidate, the party hopes to attract voters dissatisfied with the incumbent administration of President Bola Tinubu, whom Makinde intends to succeed.

If elected, Makinde’s proposed policies on interest rates and financing could affect the broader business climate, particularly for manufacturers and traders in the Southeast. Lower borrowing costs and improved credit access are expected to stimulate investment, potentially creating millions of jobs and contributing to poverty reduction.

Daura’s emphasis on a transitional government of national unity signals an attempt to reassure northern voters that the APM’s agenda will address regional concerns, including security and education. The focus on accountability and measurable results aims to differentiate the ticket from rivals perceived as less transparent.

What happens next

The APM’s campaign activities continue ahead of the scheduled presidential poll on 16 January 2027. The party plans to formalise its support base through engagements such as the NPF delegation’s visit to the Abuja headquarters, where an award was reportedly presented to Makinde. Further town‑hall meetings and policy briefings are expected as the election approaches, allowing the Makinde‑Daura ticket to outline detailed economic and governance plans.