The Lagos State chapter of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has declared that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde remains the most suitable candidate to lead a united opposition coalition into the 2027 presidential election, citing his governance record, leadership style and nationwide appeal.
The party made its position known in a statement issued in Lagos by its State Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Kazeem, who argued that the choice of a Makinde consensus candidate should be based on competence and proven performance rather than political sentiment.
According to Kazeem, Makinde has consistently demonstrated prudent leadership through investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and security while maintaining sound fiscal management in Oyo State.
He said the governor’s administration has also focused on expanding the state’s economy and boosting internally generated revenue through strategic investments and infrastructure development. Kazeem maintained that Nigerians need a leader with practical governance experience who has shown that public resources can be managed responsibly while delivering measurable development.
“He has consistently shown that government can work for the people, manage public funds prudently and deliver development through planning rather than propaganda,” he said.
The Lagos APM spokesman further argued that Makinde possesses the qualities needed to unite opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. According to him, the Oyo governor enjoys respect across political divides and has built strong relationships with leaders from different regions of the country. He described Makinde as a consensus builder whose calm disposition, listening ability and inclusive leadership style make him well-positioned to bridge political divisions.
Kazeem also said the governor’s appeal extends beyond any single region, making him a stronger national contender capable of building a broad electoral coalition. He added that while popularity is important, the opposition must prioritise electability by presenting a candidate capable of attracting support across Nigeria.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the opposition coalition in Lagos, saying it has already begun building grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Kazeem, the party’s governorship candidate, Prince Laja Adeoye, is coordinating mobilisation efforts across the state with the aim of contributing more than five million votes to the coalition’s presidential campaign across Lagos’ 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
He said the strategy includes strengthening polling unit structures, expanding volunteer networks, encouraging voter registration and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection, deploying digital campaign platforms, training election agents and engaging community groups, transport unions, market associations and faith-based organisations.
The APM stressed that its mobilisation efforts are centred on issue-based politics aimed at offering Nigerians what it described as a credible alternative for the country’s future, while insisting that Makinde consensus candidate remains the best option for the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
