The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to accept money offered by politicians during election campaigns but vote according to their conscience.
Makinde gave the advice on Saturday, during the flag-off of his presidential campaign in Bauchi State, where he addressed supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Oyo State governor told supporters not to feel guilty about collecting money from politicians, insisting that accepting financial inducements should not determine their choice of candidate at the polls.
“Don’t bother at all. When they bring money, it is your money, collect it, but vote your heart and I know your heart is with us and APM,” Makinde said.
The APM presidential candidate also called on Nigerians dissatisfied with the country’s current situation to support his proposed ‘Reset Nigeria’ agenda.
He identified economic hardship, insecurity and lack of inclusiveness in governance as some of the challenges requiring urgent attention.
“If you are not happy with the way things are in our country today, if you are not happy that there is no enough inclusivity, if you are not happy that your government cannot tell you the truth, they cannot handle our issues with sincerity, then there is only one path for us and the path is to reset Nigeria. So, I am asking you today to be a resetter,” he said.
Makinde pledged to reset Nigeria’s economy, security architecture and socio-political environment if elected president.
Bala Mohammed Backs Makinde’s Presidential Bid
Also speaking at the campaign rally, Bauchi State Governor and APM national leader, Bala Mohammed, expressed support for Makinde’s presidential ambition.
Mohammed said he was backing the Oyo governor because of what he described as his record of hard work, performance and commitment to inclusive governance.
He also urged Makinde to ensure justice, equity and fairness in national appointments if elected president.
The governor stressed that no ethnic or religious group should be marginalised in the proposed administration, calling for adherence to the federal character principle alongside merit.
Meanwhile, the APM’s vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, criticised what he described as the politics of lies, deceit and hypocrisy in Nigeria.
Daura said the party’s Reset Nigeria agenda was designed to promote honesty, accountability and inclusive governance.
He maintained that Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, should have equal opportunities to participate in governance.
The campaign rally attracted APM supporters and party leaders, including the party’s national chairman, Yusuf Maman Dantalle.
