By Law Ibitoye
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has commenced a grassroots awareness campaign across Ekiti State in support of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The campaign, convened by Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi in Ado-Ekiti, attracted APM members, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains, youths, women and other political stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Fajuyi said the campaign was motivated by the need for better leadership, stronger democratic institutions and a government that would be responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
She said Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State, particularly in education, healthcare, security, infrastructure and economic development, had convinced the group of his capacity to provide effective leadership at the national level.
Fajuyi stressed that the movement was not simply about supporting an individual, but also about providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and strengthening political plurality ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our objective is simple: to galvanise grassroots support across Ekiti State for the APM and for the presidential aspiration of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in 2027,” she said.
She said the campaign would reach communities across the state, with the organisers engaging residents, listening to their concerns and mobilising support peacefully and without intimidation.
Fajuyi urged youths, women, professionals, farmers, artisans, community leaders and other stakeholders to join what she described as a movement for greater political participation and democratic choice.
Also speaking, a PDP chieftain and Southwest representative of the PDP/APM alliance, Chief Sanya Atofarati, said the alliance was aimed at providing a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atofarati said multi-party participation remained essential to democracy, arguing that credible political alternatives were necessary to promote accountability and prevent the emergence of a one-party system.
He said the political challenges confronting the PDP had made it necessary for its members to explore alternative platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Describing APM as a viable platform for opposition forces, Atofarati said the alliance was driven by the desire to “rescue” Nigeria from what he described as excessive concentration of political power.
He also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the economic hardship facing many Nigerians, saying his support for Makinde was based on his belief that the country required younger and more vibrant leadership.
The APM Vice Chairman in Ekiti State, Mr. Remilekun Solola, urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation while ensuring that the campaign remained peaceful.
Solola expressed confidence in Makinde’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, describing him as the group’s preferred candidate.
He also called on members to strengthen the party ahead of other elections in Ekiti State, including the senatorial, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly and local government elections.
According to him, APM is gaining momentum across the country, and members must consolidate the development through unity, grassroots engagement and peaceful mobilisation.
The organisers said the awareness campaign would continue across Ekiti State, with particular attention to youths and women, as part of efforts to encourage greater participation in the political process.
The event ended with renewed calls for peaceful political participation and support for the APM’s campaign for Makinde ahead of the 2027 presidential election.