By: Sunday Ameh
The National Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, has endorsed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the 2027 presidential election, describing him as a competent leader capable of repositioning Nigeria.
Dantalle made the declaration on Monday while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
According to him, the APM’s decision to adopt Makinde as its presidential candidate was based on the governor’s leadership record and achievements in Oyo State.
He said, “If you have been to Oyo in the past and you are there today, you will see the difference. The infrastructure, economic stability, livelihood of the people and relative peace in the state are evidence of good governance.”
The IPAC chairman described Makinde as a youthful and capable leader whose background as an engineer and administrator places him in a strong position to lead the country.
“With that performance and his capacity, he can steer the ship of Nigeria to the next level. Nigerians will be proud they made the right choice if he becomes President,” Dantalle said.
He disclosed that Makinde and several politicians had formally joined the APM amid internal crises affecting some political parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to him, many aspirants who had initially planned to contest elections under the PDP would now pursue their ambitions on the platform of the APM.
Dantalle, however, dismissed concerns that Nigeria was drifting toward a one-party state, insisting that the country’s democratic space remained vibrant and competitive.
“Nigeria is too big for one party to accommodate the divergent interests and aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.
The APM chairman also called for comprehensive political and electoral reforms, stressing the need for greater transparency in party primaries and the electoral process.
He criticised what he described as irregularities in some party primary elections and urged stakeholders to strengthen democratic institutions rather than undermine them.
“The Electoral Act remains the law until amended by the National Assembly. If Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current system, they should use the ballot box to elect representatives who will pursue the reforms they desire,” he said.
Dantalle further advocated stronger local government administration, arguing that grassroots governance remains critical to addressing many of the country’s socio-economic challenges.
On insecurity, he expressed concern over persistent kidnappings, attacks on schools and violence against farmers and rural communities, warning that the situation posed a serious threat to education, agriculture and national development.
“Nigerians are suffering, whether we like it or not. We need urgent reforms and collective action to rescue the country,” he said.
He concluded by backing Makinde’s call for a national reset, urging political leaders and citizens to prioritise transparency, accountability and the national interest.
“Allow the electoral process to be transparent so that people can elect those they believe can serve their interests. We must all work together to build a better Nigeria,” he added.
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