BY AHMED AKANBI
The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr Seyi Makinde, has said he would win the 2027 presidential election because his ambition is backed by God and the Nigerian people, not by political godfathers.
Makinde spoke on Sunday during a church service at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), in Jos, Plateau State, where he called for divine intervention and a new direction for Nigeria.
The Oyo State governor is in Jos ahead of the APM presidential campaign rally scheduled for Rayfield Park on Monday.
He told the congregation that Nigeria urgently needs an economic, social and political reset after years of poor leadership, particularly in the last three and a half years.
He said that conviction inspired his RESET NIGERIA Manifesto, which he described as a comprehensive blueprint for national transformation.
Makinde maintained that his presidential ambition does not depend on political godfathers or influential individuals, but on God and the support of Nigerians.
He expressed optimism that God would show mercy to the country by providing the right leadership through the 2027 general elections.
Recalling his journey to becoming governor of Oyo State, Makinde said he faced similar doubts in 2018 when he declared his intention to contest without the backing of established power brokers.
According to him, when he announced his ambition, someone mocked him, asking whether he meant governor of a Rotary District and who his political godfather was.
Makinde said he replied that although he had no political godfather, he had God the Father, a conviction he said eventually led to his emergence as governor.
“This time around, we also have God the Father, and that God will be merciful unto Nigeria, and He will show us mercy in this country,” he stated.
He highlighted his record in Oyo State, saying his administration was anchored on planning, transparency and accountability, with a development roadmap for 2019 to 2023 in his first term and another for 2023 to 2027 in his second term.
Makinde said the roadmaps gave his government clear policy direction and helped it deliver on its commitments to the people.
He disclosed that he has adopted the same approach for the presidency through the RESET NIGERIA Agenda, built on four pillars: security, the economy, education and the socio-political space.
Presenting the manifesto to the church leadership, Makinde urged Nigerians to hold him accountable to its documented commitments, to participate fully in the electoral process, and to get ready because “history is about to happen again.”
COCIN President, Rev Dr Amos Musa Mohzo, drew his attention to worsening insecurity and economic hardship, prayed for his success, and encouraged him to remain committed to his ambition.