By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday, 7 November, 2026, flagged off his campaign for the 2027 presidential election in Bauchi, just as he asked Nigerians not to reject money offered to them during the electioneering period.
Addressing the mammoth crowd of members and supporters of the party on Saturday in Bauchi, during the flag-off of his presidential campaign,urged voters not to allow financial inducements to determine their electoral choices.
Makinde who called on Nigerian voters not to reject money offered to them during the electioneering period, maintained that such money belonged to the people, who should nevertheless remain committed to their preferred candidates.
According to him, ““When they come with money during the election, do not bother to reject it. If the money is yours, collect it and spend it. But guard your conscience and make the right decision when the time comes. I know that your hearts are with us and with me.”
While also calling on Nigerians dissatisfied with the country’s current situation, particularly insecurity, hunger and the government’s inability to address pressing national challenges, to support his party,Makinde described the 2027 election as an opportunity to change the direction of the country.
The APM Presidential candidate then called on Nigerians to join what he termed the Reset Nigeria Movement, urging voters dissatisfied with the current state of affairs to embrace a new political direction.
He urged Nigerians dissatisfied with the state of governance, lack of inclusiveness and what he described as insincerity in addressing the country’s challenges to support his proposed agenda for national transformation.
“If you are not happy with the state of affairs in our country today; if you are dissatisfied with the lack of inclusiveness; and if you believe that your government is not telling you the truth or handling the nation’s challenges with sincerity, then there is only one path before us.That path is to reset Nigeria,” he declared.
Makinde who is also the Governor of Oyo State expressed appreciation for the large turnout of supporters at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, stressing that “there is only one party for us. That party is APM, the party of respect for Nigeria,”
He was expressed gratitude to Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, whom he described as his national leader, for his support and commitment to providing a political platform for the APM.
“I must first appreciate my national leader and the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
“I also wish to appreciate my National Chairman, Yusuf Maman Dantelle, for providing us with a sanctuary and giving us the APM platform through which we can offer ourselves to serve the people of Nigeria,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of his wife, whom he described as his domestic leader, for giving him the encouragement and freedom to offer himself for public service again.
Earlier, Governor Bala Abdukadir Mohammed assured the APM presidential candidate of the party’s support in Bauchi State, declaring that the state would mobilise support for him from the grassroots to the highest political level ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The Governor also assured political leaders and residents of the state that their interests would receive adequate attention under the candidate’s proposed administration if elected.
He appealed to the presidential candidate to give Bauchi State and other states in the North-East equitable consideration in the distribution of federal resources, political appointments and development interventions.
Bala Mohammed lamented what he described as the difficulties opposition-led states faced in accessing federal interventions, insisting that Bauchi should not be neglected because of its political affiliation.
“We have chosen that line. We want to be in the mainstream, and you are the centre of the mainstream. So we are at your mercy and the mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala,” he said.
The Governor further appealed to the candidate to ensure that Bauchi benefited from federal opportunities and development projects if he emerged president.
“Whatever that is coming, don’t take it to Oyo alone, take it to Bauchi too. That is how we do politics,” he added.
He also commended the consensus arrangement adopted by the APM in Bauchi State, saying candidates emerged across the political structure, from the State House of Assembly to the governorship level, without rancour or serious disagreements.
According to him, the party is committed to building an inclusive political platform that accommodates diverse interests while promoting unity and collective responsibility.
Mohammed, however, cautioned against the possibility of a new administration reproducing the political exclusion and impunity Nigerians had experienced, expressing confidence that the proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda would provide a sustainable path to national development.
