Chieftains and supporters of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ekiti State have stepped up grassroots mobilisation in support of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group, known as the Grassroots One-to-One Support Group, is led by Chief (Mrs.) Lanre Fajuyi, who said the campaign was aimed at sensitising residents to the need for a change in the country’s leadership.
Speaking during a community campaign in Ekiti State, Fajuyi urged residents to support Makinde, citing insecurity, poverty and the rising cost of living as reasons Nigerians should consider a change of government.
She said, “Everybody has seen what is happening in the country. There is poverty and insecurity, and people are dying day by day. Things are getting worse.
“I want to appeal to our people in Ekiti State, especially, to come out en masse when it is time to vote for Engineer Seyi Makinde to become the president of this nation.”
Fajuyi also urged members of the group to maintain peaceful conduct throughout the campaign period and mobilise support for Makinde through lawful means.
Also speaking, an APM chieftain and House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Chief Sanya Atofarati, commended the convener for bringing supporters together to sensitise residents ahead of the election.
Atofarati said the mobilisation was intended to encourage political participation and persuade eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He criticised the country’s economic situation, particularly the rising prices of food and fuel, comparing the cost of essential commodities under previous administrations with current prices.
He said the economic hardship made it important for Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process.
Atofarati urged supporters to remain law-abiding and encouraged eligible voters to obtain their PVCs, describing the cards as an important means of pursuing political change through the ballot.
He said, “All we need to do is encourage these people who are supporting sensitisation. What we will tell Nigerian people is to go out and get their PVCs because that is the only way they can change this.
“We appeal to our followers and supporters to remain law-abiding. They should get their PVCs because that is the power they have.”
The group’s Publicity Secretary, Apostle Emmanuel Akinleye, said Nigerians were dissatisfied with the country’s current situation and wanted a change in leadership.
Akinleye expressed support for Makinde, citing his performance as Oyo State governor as the basis for his confidence in the governor’s ability to lead the country.
He criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the economic situation, arguing that the rising cost of living had fuelled public dissatisfaction.
Akinleye urged members of the group to sustain their mobilisation efforts, expressing confidence in Makinde’s presidential ambition.
He also called on Nigerians to participate in the 2027 general election, describing it as an opportunity for citizens to express their views on the performance of the current administration.
The group said it would continue engaging residents at the grassroots level to mobilise support for Makinde ahead of the election.
