… As Group Says Coalition is Driven by Need for Strong Opposition, Democratic Alternatives
By Samuel Sunday
The Allied Peoples Movement, APM, has commenced a statewide grassroots awareness campaign in Ekiti State in support of the presidential aspiration of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The campaign was formally flagged off at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti by the convener, Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi. The event brought together APM members, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftains, youth and women groups, professionals, and other political stakeholders.
In her inaugural address, Mrs. Fajuyi said the campaign was motivated by the urgent need for better leadership, stronger democratic institutions, and a government that is responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
She cited Governor Makinde’s track record in Oyo State in the areas of education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, and economic development as evidence of his capacity to provide effective leadership at the national level.
According to her, the initiative transcends personality politics.
“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,” Fajuyi stated.
“This campaign is not merely about supporting an individual. It is about providing Nigerians with a credible alternative political platform and strengthening political plurality in our democracy.”
She added that the campaign would be taken to communities across the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State to engage residents, listen to their concerns, and mobilize support for APM and Makinde “without intimidation or violence.”
Fajuyi called on youths, women, professionals, farmers, artisans, and community leaders to join what she described as a movement for active political participation and democratic choice.
Also speaking at the event, a PDP chieftain and Southwest representative of the PDP/APM alliance, Chief Sanya Atofarati, said the alliance had become necessary to provide a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Atofarati argued that the essence of democracy lies in multi-party participation and that political alternatives are critical to ensuring accountability and preventing a one-party system.
He noted that current political realities within the PDP made it imperative for members to explore alternative platforms ahead of 2027.
“APM provides a viable platform through which opposition forces can mobilize against the APC. This alliance is motivated by the desire to rescue the country from the excessive concentration of political power,” he said.
Atofarati also criticized the economic policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying many Nigerians were struggling under current economic conditions.
He clarified that his support for Makinde was based on the need for younger, more vibrant and performance-driven leadership at the national level, and not on personal considerations.
The APM Vice Chairman in Ekiti State, Mr. Remilekun Solola, urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilization for Makinde while maintaining peace and decorum throughout the campaign.
Solola said APM was chosen because of its potential to serve as a stronger opposition platform against the APC. He expressed confidence that Makinde would emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
He further charged members to work collectively to build the party ahead of other elections in Ekiti State, including senatorial, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government polls.
“The party is already gaining momentum across the country. We must consolidate this momentum through unity, grassroots engagement, and peaceful mobilization,” Solola said.
The organizers said the awareness campaign would continue across all communities in Ekiti State, with special emphasis on engaging youths and women on the importance of active participation in the political process.
The event concluded with renewed calls for peaceful political participation and broad-based support for APM’s campaign for Governor Makinde’s 2027 presidential ambition.
