Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence in his chances in the 2027 presidential election, declaring that he has God and Nigerians behind his ambition.

Makinde made the declaration on Sunday during a church service at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State.

In a statement issued by his campaign’s Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the governor said his presidential aspiration was not dependent on the backing of political godfathers but on his faith in God and the support of the Nigerian people.

Recalling his emergence as governor of Oyo State in 2019, Makinde said he had faced similar doubts during his 2018 campaign because he lacked the support of influential political figures.

He recalled being questioned about how he intended to become governor without a political godfather, saying he had relied on his faith in God before eventually winning the election.

He expressed optimism that the same support would guide his presidential ambition, adding that God would show mercy to Nigeria by providing the country with the right leadership in 2027.

Makinde said his ambition was driven by the need to reset the country through effective leadership and address challenges affecting security, the economy, education and the socio-political system.

He explained that his proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda was structured around these four areas, with a focus on developing practical solutions to the country's challenges.

The governor also said his administration in Oyo State had relied on planning, transparency and accountability, supported by development road maps covering his two terms from 2019 to 2027.

Presenting copies of his Reset Nigeria Manifesto to the church leadership, he urged Nigerians to hold him accountable for the commitments contained in the document if elected president.

He said his proposals were documented and that he was prepared to be assessed against the promises outlined in the manifesto.

Makinde further encouraged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to participate actively in politics and prepare to exercise their democratic rights in the 2027 elections.

The President of COCIN, Reverend Amos Musa Mohzo, urged the presidential candidate to address the country's pressing challenges, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.

Mohzo also prayed for Makinde's success in the election and encouraged him to sustain his political engagement, expressing hope that God's will would prevail.

Makinde was in Jos ahead of the APM presidential campaign rally scheduled for Monday at Rayfield Park.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential election.