Makinde emerged at the party’s presidential primary held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday.
In his acceptance speech, the governor said his ambition was driven by the need to restore hope and rebuild confidence in the country.
He said, “I stand before you today (Saturday) with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility as I accept the nomination to serve as the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I believe that we possess the capacity to rebuild our economy through honesty, discipline and practical reforms. When I speak of practical reforms, I mean reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.”
The governor promised reforms in the oil and gas sector, saying Nigerians should benefit more from the country’s natural resources.
“Nigerians must benefit from the fact that we are an oil-producing nation, just as citizens of other resource-producing countries benefit from their natural wealth.
“The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient and commercially driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships and institutional reforms,” he stated.
Makinde also identified agriculture as a key area for economic growth, stressing the need to improve production, processing, storage and agricultural logistics.
Makinde explained that his campaign would focus on competence and solutions rather than empty promises.
Speaking at the event, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Jatau, endorsed Makinde’s candidacy and described him as a leader capable of moving Nigeria forward.
“We are here on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to support, endorse and celebrate the emergence of our dear distinguished brother, Oluwaseyi Makinde, as the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement,” he said.
Also speaking, APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle described the primary as peaceful and transparent.
