Seyi Makinde Vows to Defeat Tinubu in 12 States as APM Campaign Organisation Makes 2027 Election Claim

Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that its candidate will defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 12 battleground states during the January 2027 presidential election, setting the stage for a potentially heated political contest.

The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO), campaigning for Makinde under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made the declaration in a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, through its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Nnanna Ihediwa. The organisation expressed confidence that Makinde could defeat Tinubu in the states identified for the president’s proposed campaign visits, as well as other parts of the country.

Seyi Makinde’s Camp Targets 12 States in Challenge to Tinubu

The campaign organisation identified Oyo, Kaduna, Rivers, Plateau, Borno, Enugu, Bauchi, Sokoto, Delta, Kano, Adamawa and Lagos as the 12 states where it believes Seyi Makinde can defeat the incumbent president. The Federal Capital Territory was also mentioned in its remarks about the anticipated contest.

The group argued that the reported plan for Tinubu to campaign personally in the identified states would not prevent voters from supporting an alternative candidate. It attributed its confidence to what it described as growing public dissatisfaction with the federal government’s policies and claimed that Makinde’s proposed RESET NIGERIA agenda was gaining traction, particularly among young people. However, the organisation did not provide polling data or other independently verifiable evidence demonstrating that Makinde is currently positioned to win all 12 states.

Campaign Group Criticises Tinubu’s Record and Promotes RESET NIGERIA

The organisation criticised the Tinubu administration over economic hardship, the condition of federal highways and what it described as wasteful public spending. It challenged the president to travel by road through the country to witness infrastructure conditions and the daily experiences of Nigerians, rather than limiting his engagements to campaign venues and major gatherings.

In presenting its alternative, the campaign group highlighted Makinde’s RESET NIGERIA agenda, which it said would prioritise the economy, education, security and socio-political reforms. Its proposals include tackling poverty through increased production, improving security through intelligence gathering and other measures, expanding access to functional education, and promoting inclusive governance. These remain campaign proposals, and their effectiveness would depend on their implementation, funding and measurable outcomes if the candidate were elected.

The declaration by Seyi Makinde’s campaign organisation adds another dimension to the political positioning ahead of the 2027 presidential election. By naming 12 battleground states and openly challenging Tinubu’s record, the group is seeking to present Makinde as a national alternative rather than a candidate whose appeal is confined to Oyo State.

Nevertheless, confidence expressed by a campaign organisation is not the same as demonstrated voter support. The strength of the APM’s nationwide structure, its ability to mobilise voters and the public response to its proposed policies will be important factors in assessing its prospects. Tinubu’s supporters may also point to the president’s existing political network and the APC’s national presence as factors in the contest.

Ultimately, voters will judge the candidates on their records, proposals and ability to address the country’s challenges. The campaign’s 12-state prediction has raised the political stakes, but the actual outcome will be determined by voters and the electoral process.

OGM News NG will continue to follow developments surrounding the APM campaign, the Tinubu administration and the political alliances shaping Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.