Seyi Makinde Defends 2027 Presidential Candidacy in Akure

Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement, defended his 2027 presidential bid on October 22, 2026, during a town hall meeting in Akure. He responded to criticisms questioning his candidacy given that the South-West geopolitical zone already has a sitting president, Bola Tinubu.

Makinde referenced the 1999 general election, where both former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae, both from the South-West, contested for the presidency. He also raised concerns about the Federal Government's fiscal conduct, specifically criticizing an unnecessary trip by Nigeria's permanent representatives to the United Nations to present the UN budget to the President.

He questioned the use of taxpayer money for such expenses and challenged the government's budget implementation record. Furthermore, Makinde urged South-West voters to reject what he termed the politics of deceit and emphasized his preference to campaign based on his track record rather than attacking opponents.

He concluded by challenging other presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical stamina on the campaign trail.