Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed confidence that the Allied People's Movement (APM) will emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections. He made this statement during the Boye Nation/JAF Movement Mega Concert held at the Open Tennis Court of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba, Ibadan. The event marked the official reception of thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the APM. Makinde described the development as evidence of growing support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The defectors, led by Ajiboye Sangogade, also known as Boye Nation, were drawn from different local government areas across Oyo State. Sangogade is a personal assistant and loyalist to former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. Makinde's confidence in the party's victory stems from the large number of new members joining the APM. He believes that the party's chances of winning the 2027 elections are high, citing the defection of thousands of APC members as a significant boost to the party's support base.
During the event, Makinde said that God has signed off on the APM's victory, citing the rainy weather on the day of the event as a divine sign. He also challenged the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, to focus on convincing voters rather than criticizing his administration. Makinde expressed confidence that voters would decide in favor of the APM candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi.
Makinde also compared his professional background with that of Adekanmbi and Alli. As an engineer and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Makinde questioned whether Alli had attained similar recognition in his profession as a lawyer. He emphasized Adekanmbi's qualifications as an accountant and Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. This comparison was seen as a subtle attempt to highlight the credentials of the APM candidates.
The Oyo governor also addressed criticism over the use of diesel-powered generators to operate streetlights in parts of the state. Makinde attributed the situation to the unresolved national electricity challenges, recalling President Bola Tinubu's campaign promise on power supply. He argued that if the country's electricity challenges had been addressed, states would not need diesel generators to power public infrastructure.
The event was attended by party leaders, government officials, and several political candidates. It marked a significant milestone for the APM in Oyo State, as it welcomed new members and showcased its growing support base. Makinde's speech was seen as a rallying call for the party's supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.
The defection of thousands of APC members to the APM is seen as a significant blow to the APC in Oyo State. The APC has been a dominant force in the state, but the recent defections suggest that the party's support base is eroding. The APM, on the other hand, is gaining momentum, with Makinde's leadership and the influx of new members boosting its chances of winning the 2027 elections.
Key points
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde claims APM is set for victory in 2027 general elections.
- Thousands of APC defectors join APM in Oyo State.
- Makinde challenges APC candidate to focus on convincing voters.
