Makinde Says South-west Can Field Two 2027 Candidates

Seyi Makinde, the Allied Peoples Movement’s presidential candidate, said at a party town hall in Akure that the South-west could field two candidates in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, arguing that competence should matter more than regional origin. Makinde made the remarks Thursday at an APM South-west town hall in the Ondo State capital. President Bola Tinubu, whom Makinde is seeking to challenge, is also from the South-west. Makinde said there was nothing wrong with two candidates from the region contesting, and cited the 1999 election, when Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae both ran for president. Makinde said his campaign was focused on leadership and national issues rather than where a candidate comes from. He also said he would emphasize energy rather than age, describing the ability to handle the demands of government as important. The APM has called its platform the Reset Agenda. At the town hall, Makinde said he supported Tinubu in 2023 because he expected a government of national unity and competence. He said those expectations had not been met. Those judgments reflect Makinde’s assessment of the administration. Makinde has also accused the ruling All...