2027: ‘We Won’t Allow Election Rigging,’ Makinde Warns as He Promises Nigerians a ‘New Dawn’

Oyo State Governor and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the opposition will resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections, insisting that the outcome must reflect the true will of Nigerians.

Makinde made the remarks on Saturday in Bauchi while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

He warned against any effort to undermine the electoral process, stressing that the opposition would not tolerate electoral malpractice.

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

Describing Nigeria’s current political atmosphere as one of the most difficult periods in its democratic journey, Makinde, however, expressed confidence that the country was on the verge of positive change.

“Being in opposition, the political environment is very toxic. It is the darkest moment. But when the day is about to break, that is the darkest point. I can assure Nigerians that, irrespective of the challenges we are faced with, the day is about to break for a new dawn in the country. Tomorrow, the sun will start rising again for Nigeria,” he stated.

Speaking on the APM’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Makinde said the party remained optimistic, citing his own victory in the 2019 Oyo State governorship election despite the dominance of the ruling party at both the federal and state levels.

“In Oyo State in 2019, we were in the opposition while the APC controlled both the federal and state governments, yet we won. Democracy is about the people of Nigeria, and we believe they will speak loudly and clearly when the time comes,” he said.

Addressing recent security concerns in Oyo State, the governor maintained that the incidents should be viewed in context, noting that the state had experienced years of relative peace before the recent attacks.

According to him, the abduction of schoolchildren occurred shortly after he declared his presidential ambition.

“I have been on this job for seven years and about two months. The insecurity you mentioned happened barely two months ago. For several years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at 4 p.m., and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” he said.

Earlier, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said his meeting with Makinde focused on governance, security and the future of the APM as a credible opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mohammed praised Makinde’s performance in Oyo State, describing him as a leader whose achievements have earned national recognition.

He said both governors exchanged ideas on tackling security challenges and strengthening the APM’s position ahead of the next general election.

According to Mohammed, the party is steadily positioning itself as a formidable opposition force, adding that Makinde is committed to leading an issue-based campaign focused on competence, maturity and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.