Makinde: “We won’t allow electoral malpractice in 2027” 

Oyo State Governor and Allied People’s Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has warned that the opposition will reject any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections.

Makinde said the outcome of the polls must reflect the choice of Nigerians, warning against any action capable of suppressing the will of voters.

The governor spoke in Bauchi while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

“They must not suppress the will of the people. They must not suppress whatever decision they are going to take, and we will ensure that does not happen,” Makinde said.

He added that the opposition would not accept electoral malpractice, insisting that the final result must represent the voice of Nigerians.

“We will not allow any electoral malpractice. The outcome must reflect the voice of Nigerians,” he stated.

Makinde described the current political atmosphere in the country as toxic, but expressed optimism that Nigeria was approaching a new political phase.

“Being in opposition, the political environment is very toxic. It is the darkest moment, I can say that to you. But when the day is about to break, that is the darkest point,” he said.

Speaking on the APM’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Makinde said the party remained confident because Nigerians would ultimately determine the direction of the country.

He recalled his victory in the 2019 Oyo governorship election, when he defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress despite the party controlling both the federal and state governments at the time.

“In Oyo State in 2019, as an opposition party then in the PDP, APC was ruling at the federal level and also at the state level, but we won,” he said.

Makinde also addressed concerns over recent security challenges in Oyo State, saying the incidents occurred after years of relative peace.

He said the state experienced stability for most of his seven years in office before recent security concerns emerged.

The governor also linked the timing of the crisis to his presidential declaration, saying some incidents occurred shortly after he announced his ambition.

Meanwhile, Bala Mohammed said his meeting with Makinde focused on governance, security challenges, and strengthening the APM as an opposition platform.

Mohammed praised Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State, describing him as a leader whose developmental projects had attracted national attention.