Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has emerged as the consensus presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement for the 2027 general elections.
The governor was presented with a certificate of return on Saturday, officially confirming his emergence as the party’s standard-bearer for the forthcoming presidential poll.
A video circulating on social media showed Makinde celebrating the development as he received the certificate before supporters and party members.
His emergence comes amid growing concerns over the security situation in Oyo State, particularly the abduction of students and staff of Community High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.
One of the victims, the school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, renewed her appeal to the governor and the Federal Government to secure the release of those still being held by their captors.
In an emotional message released from captivity, Alamu urged the authorities to explore dialogue rather than force in resolving the crisis.
“I am appealing again to the government. Governor Seyi Makinde should engage these people in dialogue. The force used yesterday has worsened our situation,” she said.
The principal further alleged that one of the abductees had been singled out by the kidnappers for possible execution, stressing the urgent need for intervention to save their lives.
The latest appeal comes 13 days after gunmen abducted more than 40 students and staff members from the school.
The incident has continued to generate public outrage, especially following reports that a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the abductors last week.
While political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum, pressure is mounting on the state and federal authorities to secure the safe release of the remaining victims and address the growing insecurity in parts of Oyo State.
