The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has commenced a grassroots awareness campaign in Ekiti State in support of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for the 2027 presidential election.
The campaign, convened by Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi in Ado-Ekiti, brought together APM members, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains, youths, women and other political stakeholders, with speakers advocating a stronger opposition and a multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fajuyi, in her inaugural address, said the campaign was driven by the need for better leadership, stronger democratic institutions and a government that would be responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
She said Makinde’s record in Oyo State, particularly in education, healthcare, security, infrastructure and economic development, had convinced the group that he possessed the capacity to provide effective leadership at the national level.
According to her, the campaign was not merely about supporting an individual but about providing Nigerians with an alternative political platform and strengthening political plurality.
She said the group would take its message to communities across Ekiti, engage residents, listen to their concerns and mobilise support for APM and Makinde without intimidation or violence.
“Our objective is simple: to galvanise grassroots support across Ekiti State for the APM and for the presidential aspiration of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in 2027,” she said.
Fajuyi called on youths, women, professionals, farmers, artisans, community leaders and other stakeholders to join what she described as a movement for political participation and democratic choice.
Also speaking, a PDP chieftain and Southwest representative of the PDP/APM alliance, Chief Sanya Atofarati, said the alliance was necessary to provide a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atofarati said the essence of democracy was multi-party participation, arguing that political alternatives were necessary to ensure accountability and prevent the emergence of a one-party system.
He said the political circumstances confronting the PDP made it necessary for its members to explore alternative platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
He described APM as a viable platform through which opposition forces could mobilise against the APC, adding that the alliance was motivated by the desire to “rescue” the country from what he described as excessive concentration of political power.
Atofarati also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying many Nigerians are struggling under the current economic conditions.
He maintained that his support for Makinde was not based on personal considerations but on his belief that the country needed younger and more vibrant leadership.
The APM Vice Chairman in Ekiti State, Mr. Remilekun Solola, urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation for Makinde while maintaining peace throughout the campaign.
Solola said the party had chosen APM because of its belief that it could provide a stronger opposition platform against the APC.
He expressed confidence that Makinde would emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election, describing him as the group’s leader and preferred candidate.
He also urged members to work collectively to build the party ahead of subsequent elections in Ekiti State, including senatorial, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly and local government elections.
Solola said the party was already gaining momentum across the country and urged members to consolidate the momentum through unity, grassroots engagement and peaceful mobilisation.
The organisers said the awareness campaign would continue across Ekiti State, with emphasis on engaging communities, particularly youths and women, on the need for active participation in the political process.
The event ended with renewed calls for peaceful political participation and support for the APM’s campaign for Makinde ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
