The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has signalled that the economy and cost of living will form the centrepiece of its campaign ahead of the 2027 general election, as Oyo State Governor and the party’s presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, criticised key economic policies of the Federal Government during the unveiling of party candidates in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking through a national leader of the party, Babatunde Tijani, at Monday’s event, Makinde said the simultaneous removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira had placed severe pressure on households and businesses. According to him, implementing both policies without adequate support measures had worsened the economic burden on Nigerians.

Makinde argued that the rising cost of fuel, food and other essentials had become a major concern for many families, while exchange rate fluctuations continued to create uncertainty for businesses and investors. He questioned the administration’s assessment of its economic performance, maintaining that many Nigerians were yet to experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.

Beyond the economy, the APM presidential candidate also linked the country’s security challenges to the broader governance debate ahead of the next election cycle. He said concerns over insecurity had reinforced the need for what he described as a new direction, adding that the party intended to campaign on reforms covering the economy, security and social welfare.

The event also served as the launch of the APM’s campaign structure in Ogun State, where the party unveiled Deborah Akinlade as its deputy governorship candidate alongside its House of Assembly and National Assembly candidates. Makinde urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation across wards and local government areas as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Other party leaders echoed similar positions during the gathering. Ogun State APM Chairman and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Abayomi Sanyaolu, assessed the performance of the APC-led Federal Government unfavourably and called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying. He encouraged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and make informed choices during future elections.

Also addressing supporters, the party’s Ogun State governorship candidate, Rotimi Babajide, pledged that an APM administration would prioritise agriculture, employment, healthcare, education and infrastructure if elected. The party said its campaign would focus on presenting what it described as practical alternatives to current governance, while seeking greater public support ahead of the 2027 polls.