The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Seyi Makinde, has urged citizens across the South-West region to reject political ideologies rooted in personal entitlement and regional succession.
Speaking on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during an APM town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, Makinde cautioned voters against supporting candidates who rely on the “Emi Lokan” slogan, stressing that Nigeria requires competent governance rather than turn-by-turn political patronage.
He noted that regional sentiments should not override the collective imperative of selecting capable leaders who can navigate the country’s socio-economic challenges.Recalling the political history of the region, the Oyo State Governor referenced the 1999 presidential contest to demonstrate that South-West voters have historically prioritized democratic choice over blind regional alignment.
He reminded the gathering that in 1999, despite having two prominent Yoruba figures on the ballot in Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae, the region demonstrated democratic maturity by presenting candidates for the entire country to choose from.
Makinde maintained that national leadership must be determined through open democratic competition and broad consultation across all geopolitical zones rather than self-proclaimed entitlement.
Criticizing the political reliance on regional slogans, Makinde asserted that political power must be anchored on performance, accountability, and national unity. “How can someone say, ‘Emi lokan’, in a country like Nigeria?” Makinde stated. “You were given the opportunity.
If you recall the 1999 presidential election, the South-West voted massively for Baba Olu Falae, but the rest of Nigerians voted for Baba Obasanjo. So, this is not an issue that only the South-West can resolve; it is an issue we must address collectively as Nigerians”.
Beyond political messaging, Makinde also raised concerns regarding transparency and fiscal prudence in public governance. He questioned the administrative necessity and public expenditure involved in recent international travel by government representatives to present international budgets locally while domestic fiscal frameworks remain subject to public ambiguity.
The APM standard-bearer urged voters to scrutinize candidates based on tangible economic strategies and transparent stewardship rather than regional loyalty or political slogans.
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