Collect Campaign Money, but Vote Your Heart — Makinde to Nigerians

Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has advised Nigerians to collect money offered by politicians during election campaigns but remain free to vote according to their conscience.

Makinde gave the advice on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during the flag-off of the APM’s 2027 presidential campaign in Bauchi State.

Addressing supporters at the rally, the governor said voters should not feel guilty about accepting financial gifts from politicians, insisting that receiving such money should not determine their choice at the ballot box.

“Don’t bother at all. When they bring money, it is your money, collect it, spend it, but vote your heart. And I know your heart is with us and with APM,” he said.

Makinde also urged Nigerians dissatisfied with the country’s current economic and security situation to support his proposed “Reset Nigeria” agenda.

He identified hunger, insecurity and inadequate inclusion in governance as major challenges confronting the country, arguing that they required changes to Nigeria’s economic policies, security architecture and socio-political environment.

The governor said Nigerians who believed the country was not being governed with sufficient transparency and sincerity should support his proposed national reset.

The rally also featured remarks from APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, who criticised what he described as dishonesty and hypocrisy in Nigerian politics.

Daura said the party’s agenda was intended to promote accountability, honesty and broader participation in governance.

Bauchi State Governor and APM national leader, Bala Mohammed, also expressed support for Makinde’s presidential ambition, saying the proposed agenda offered an opportunity to address Nigeria’s challenges.

Mohammed called for fairness and inclusiveness in public appointments, stressing that no ethnic or religious group should dominate opportunities in government.

The campaign event forms part of the APM’s mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties begin presenting their candidates and policy proposals to Nigerians.