Makinde said, “Nigeria cannot continue with politics as usual. This is the time to reset our nation, rebuild public trust, strengthen institutions, and create a system that works for all Nigerians”.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde officially declares his 2027 presidential ambition, launching the Reset Nigeria Movement and calling for institutional reform, accountable leadership, and a new political direction for Nigeria.by chisom adaeze

Seyi Makinde has officially declared his intention to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, unveiling a new political movement and campaign platform aimed at mobilizing support across the country ahead of the next general election.

Speaking before supporters, political allies, youth groups, and party members at the historic Mapo Hall on Thursday, the Oyo State governor announced that he would seek the presidency under the platform of the Allied People’s Movement.

Makinde also introduced the Reset Nigeria Movement, a political initiative he described as a national effort to rebuild public confidence in governance, strengthen democratic institutions, and push for a more accountable system of leadership. Alongside the movement, he unveiled an official presidential campaign website designed to serve as a digital hub for policy discussions, volunteer registration, grassroots mobilization, and engagement with Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

During his address, Makinde said Nigeria was facing a critical moment that required visionary leadership, institutional reform, and practical economic solutions capable of improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He argued that the country could no longer afford what he described as “politics as usual,” insisting that a new national direction was necessary to restore trust in public institutions and deliver measurable development.

“Nigeria cannot continue with politics as usual. This is the time to reset our nation, rebuild public trust, strengthen institutions, and create a system that works for all Nigerians,” Makinde said during the declaration.

The event attracted prominent political figures and supporters from different parts of the country, including former Olagunsoye Oyinlola, alongside professionals, civil society representatives, youth organizations, and grassroots political groups.

Political analysts say Makinde’s early declaration signals the beginning of what could become an increasingly competitive build-up to the 2027 elections, as political alignments and coalition discussions gradually intensify across Nigeria’s major parties and emerging movements.

Makinde, who is currently serving his second term as governor of Oyo State, has gained national attention in recent years for his governance style, infrastructural projects, and education and healthcare reforms in the state. Supporters view him as part of a younger generation of political leaders seeking to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, while critics argue that the road to the presidency remains highly challenging given the country’s complex political structure and established party dominance.

The launch of the Reset Nigeria Movement also reflects a growing trend of issue-based political branding ahead of the elections, with politicians increasingly focusing on economic reform, governance accountability, youth inclusion, and institutional rebuilding as central campaign themes.

Observers note that Makinde’s decision to run under the APM platform could significantly influence political calculations ahead of 2027, particularly if the movement succeeds in attracting younger voters, professionals, and reform-minded groups seeking alternatives to Nigeria’s traditional political blocs.

As preparations for the next election cycle gradually begin, Makinde’s declaration is expected to generate fresh conversations around leadership, party realignment, and the future direction of Nigerian politics.