African People’s Movement (APM) presidential candidate Seyi Makinde on Thursday told supporters in Enugu that the Southeast should not be regarded as the exclusive political territory of any individual, as he sought to expand his party’s reach beyond traditional strongholds.
Speaking at an APM town hall meeting themed “Reset Nigeria,” Makinde acknowledged that his team had faced discouragement before arriving in the region.
“We were almost discouraged we were coming to Peter Obi’s region that the Southeast belongs to him totally, but we will still bring our message anyways,” Makinde said. “Reject all divisions across tribal lines.”
The Oyo State governor, who is the APM flagbearer, insisted that national progress required moving past ethnic and regional politics. He told the audience that his campaign would continue to take its message across the country regardless of perceived political boundaries.
Makinde also announced that the APM manifesto would be launched on November 1. He pledged that his government would work to restore confidence between citizens and those in power.
“We will bridge the trust deficit between the leaders and citizens,” he said.
The event featured large screens displaying Makinde’s image and party messaging as he addressed the gathering in traditional attire. A sign language interpreter stood beside him throughout the address.
Makinde’s appearance in Enugu forms part of APM’s efforts to build a broader national base ahead of the next general election, with the candidate emphasising unity and policy-driven politics over identity-based voting.
