Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged the electorate across the country to accept monetary inducements distributed by politicians during election campaigns while maintaining their freedom to vote according to their conscience ahead of the 2027 general elections. Makinde issued this guidance during his official presidential campaign flag-off event held in Bauchi State, where he engaged with a large crowd of supporters.
He strongly advised citizens not to let temporary financial gifts dictate their selection at the polls, emphasizing that taking funds from political actors should never equate to supporting candidates against their personal convictions.
"When they bring money, it's your money. Collect it, spend it, but vote your heart, and I know your heart is with us and with APM," Makinde stated to the gathering.
Why did Makinde call for a national reset?
During his address, the APM flagbearer campaigned for what he termed a national reset, pointing out that severe economic hardship, escalating insecurity, and widespread exclusion in public administration have made structural reforms imperative for the country's survival.
He challenged the electorate to consider whether the pervasive hunger experienced by many citizens should serve as a catalyst for economic restructuring, drawing parallels with how prevailing security challenges necessitate an urgent overhaul of the nation's security framework.
Makinde further asserted that the marginalization of numerous citizens from governance structures demands a thorough transformation of the country's socio-political landscape. He encouraged individuals who are discontented with current national conditions to embrace the proposed national reset, stressing that Nigeria requires an administration capable of tackling public grievances with genuine transparency and sincerity.
Furthermore, the presidential hopeful expressed gratitude to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, whom he acknowledged as his national leader, alongside the national chairman of the APM and other stakeholders for their continuous backing and motivation throughout his political campaign.