Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.

Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.

The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.

Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.

He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.

The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.

According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.

The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.

Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.

The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.

The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.

“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.

The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.

Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has officially emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the 2027 general elections, following the party’s presidential primaries held on Tuesday in Abuja.

The development marks Sowore’s third consecutive bid for the presidency under the party he founded, underscoring his persistence in offering Nigerians an alternative to the nation’s mainstream political landscape.

In a statement during the primaries, Kayode Babayemi, chairman of the AAC primary election committee, said Sowore’s adoption reflected the party’s confidence in his commitment to justice, democracy, and good governance.

Accepting his nomination, Sowore described the AAC as “the only genuine opposition in Nigeria”.

He declared, “This year, our party turns eight years old. As the only registered socialist party in Nigeria, we have stood firm as a moral and ideological alternative to the criminal conspiracy that other parties disguise as democracy.”

He added, “This is the party of the most courageous people on the continent. We are unafraid and unwavering. We speak the truth as it is, regardless of whose ox is gored.”

Sowore vowed to address Nigeria’s unemployment, corruption, incompetence, and rising crime, insisting that the AAC remains committed to offering Nigerians a credible path to revolutionary change.

He dismissed claims that the party lacked structure, noting that delegates from across the country demonstrated the AAC’s functional nationwide network.

Following the primaries, Sowore formally stepped down as the AAC national chairman, paving the way for new leadership.

The party announced on its official X handle: “Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC). The party hereby welcomes Samuel Ajeigbe as the new National Chairman of our great party.”