2027: We’ll Resist Electoral Fraud, Ensure Votes Count — Makinde
Oyo State Governor and the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Seyi Makinde, has vowed that the opposition will resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections, insisting that the outcome of the polls must reflect the genuine will of Nigerians.
Makinde made the declaration on Friday while speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in Bauchi. He warned against any effort to suppress the people’s mandate, saying the opposition would not allow electoral malpractice.
“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,” he said.
The governor described the current political atmosphere as one of the most difficult periods in Nigeria’s democratic journey but expressed confidence that a positive change was on the horizon.
“Being in opposition, the political environment is very toxic. It is the darkest moment. But when the day is about to break, that is the darkest point. I can assure Nigerians that irrespective of the challenges we are faced with, the day is about to break for a new dawn in the country,” Makinde stated.
Speaking on the APM’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election, Makinde said the party remained optimistic because the electorate would ultimately determine the outcome of the polls. He cited his 2019 victory in Oyo State, when he defeated the then-ruling All Progressives Congress despite its control of both the federal and state governments.
“It is the people. Democracy is about the people of Nigeria. We believe they will speak very loudly and clearly when the time comes,” he added.
On security in Oyo State, the governor urged Nigerians to view the recent incidents in proper context, noting that the state had enjoyed years of relative peace before the recent wave of insecurity.
“I have been on this job for seven years and about two months. The insecurity you mentioned happened barely two months ago. For several years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at 4 p.m., and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” he said.
Earlier, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said his meeting with Makinde focused on governance, security and the future of the APM as a credible opposition platform. He commended Makinde’s developmental achievements in Oyo State, particularly projects he said ordinarily fall within the responsibility of the Federal Government.
Mohammed also disclosed that both leaders discussed strategies for tackling insecurity and strengthening the APM ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the party would continue to grow as a formidable opposition force.
“Governor Makinde, as our presidential candidate, is working tirelessly to ensure that our campaigns are issue-based, free from malice and driven by maturity, sound ideas and capable individuals who can deliver effective leadership,” Mohammed said.