Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has unveiled his “Reset Nigeria” agenda, promising a new approach to economic prosperity, security, education and inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Makinde presented the agenda at the APM South-West town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, which brought together party leaders and representatives from Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states.
During the gathering, the governor called on Nigerians to move away from what he described as “turn-by-turn” leadership, arguing that the country’s next president should be selected on the basis of competence, energy and the ability to address pressing national challenges.
He questioned the emphasis placed on age in political discussions, insisting that a candidate’s capacity to manage the demands of the presidency should receive greater attention.
“Why are we making age an issue in this campaign? I will make energy an issue,” Makinde said.
The governor’s remarks form part of his effort to present an alternative political platform as parties and prospective candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
His proposed Reset Nigeria agenda places economic development, security, education and inclusive governance among its central priorities. The broader platform is intended to outline how his administration would approach the country’s economic and institutional challenges if elected president.
Makinde also defended his presidential ambition despite the South-West’s previous occupancy of the presidency, citing the 1999 election, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae, both from the region, contested the presidential election.
His argument suggests that regional considerations should not automatically prevent candidates from a particular part of the country from seeking the highest political office.
The contest for the 2027 presidency is expected to feature debates over regional power rotation, economic reforms, security, unemployment and the performance of incumbent political leaders.
Makinde’s emergence as the APM’s presidential candidate adds another dimension to those discussions, particularly as opposition parties seek to define their policy positions and appeal to voters beyond their traditional strongholds.
However, the success of the Reset Nigeria agenda will ultimately depend on the detail of its proposals, how they would be funded and the mechanisms through which the promised reforms would be implemented.
As campaigning develops, voters will have the opportunity to assess Makinde’s proposals alongside those of other presidential contenders, examining their records in public office and the practicality of their plans for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.