The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has taken its campaign activities to the grassroots in Oyo State, with its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, calling on Nigerians to support the party’s ambition to introduce a new direction in the country’s leadership.
The party’s statewide campaign was officially launched on Saturday at Durbar Stadium in Oyo town, where hundreds of supporters, political associates and party members converged to demonstrate their commitment to the movement ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Makinde, who addressed the gathering, presented his presidential ambition as an opportunity to reset the country, promising that Nigerians would have reasons to enjoy the benefits of democracy if entrusted with the responsibility of governing the nation.
The presidential candidate used the occasion to appreciate those who travelled from different parts of Oyo State to participate in the campaign launch, acknowledging their presence and continued support for the party.
He assured the audience that their commitment would not be in vain, expressing confidence that the people would benefit from democratic governance under the leadership he hopes to provide.
Beyond his message to the crowd, Makinde also emphasised the importance of maintaining political unity within the party.
He encouraged members not to become complacent after the successful commencement of the campaign but to remain actively involved in efforts to strengthen the APM’s electoral prospects.
He called for sustained support from party faithful, urging them to work together towards achieving victory for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The rally also provided an opportunity for the APM’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, to outline his commitment to the state’s development and explain his intention to build on the existing foundation of governance.
Adekanmbi, while addressing party supporters, pledged to pursue good governance and ensure that the interests of residents remained central to the administration he hopes to lead.
He specifically acknowledged the foundation laid by Makinde in Oyo State, describing it as an important starting point for further development.
According to the governorship candidate, his intention would be to consolidate on the existing foundation rather than abandon the development direction already established in the state.
His remarks placed emphasis on continuity, suggesting that the experience and structures developed over time could provide a basis for further progress if properly sustained.
Adekanmbi also appealed to party members and supporters to demonstrate their confidence in the APM through their votes, urging them to support all candidates presented by the party during the forthcoming elections.
He stressed the importance of collective participation, noting that the party would need the commitment of its members across different communities to achieve its political objectives.
The governorship candidate’s appeal extended beyond those present at the rally, as he encouraged party supporters to take responsibility for promoting the APM and mobilising additional support within their respective areas.
The event attracted participants from across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas, giving the party an opportunity to bring together its supporters under one platform and publicly demonstrate its readiness for the electoral contest.
The presence of party faithful from different parts of the state also provided a platform for interaction among members and strengthened the atmosphere of political mobilisation surrounding the campaign launch.
A significant moment during the gathering was the formal presentation of party flags to the various APM candidates.
The exercise was conducted by the party’s Oyo State Chairman, Mr Adegbenro Fagbemi, who presented the flags to the candidates as part of activities marking the commencement of the party’s campaign.
The flag presentation served as an official recognition of the candidates representing the APM in the forthcoming elections and a symbolic call for members to rally behind them.
For the party, the ceremony represented more than a routine activity at a political gathering. It provided an opportunity to publicly identify its candidates and reinforce the message of collective participation as preparations for the elections continue.
The choice of Oyo town for the statewide campaign launch brought the party’s political activities to one of the major towns in Oyo State, with supporters travelling from different local government areas to attend the programme.
Throughout the gathering, the central message from the party’s leading candidates was the need for members to remain committed, strengthen their support base and work towards securing electoral success.
While Makinde focused his message on the promise of a national reset and the benefits of democracy, Adekanmbi directed attention towards governance and the need to sustain development efforts in Oyo State.
Both candidates used the occasion to appeal for greater political participation, urging supporters to translate their enthusiasm at the rally into practical support during the elections.
With the formal commencement of its statewide campaign, the APM has begun its effort to engage voters across Oyo State, promote its candidates and communicate its political objectives ahead of the forthcoming polls.
The party will now be looking towards sustaining the momentum generated at Durbar Stadium through continued grassroots engagement and mobilisation across the state’s 33 local government areas.
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