By Peace Udugba
The National Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, has expressed support for the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing him as a tested leader capable of repositioning Nigeria and restoring public confidence in governance.
Speaking on Monday on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Dantalle said the decision to back Makinde was informed by his performance in office and leadership credentials.
According to him, democracy is about choosing leaders who genuinely reflect the interests of the people.
“Democracy is about the people making the right decisions that represent their interests politically, socially, economically and otherwise,” he said.
Dantalle argued that Makinde’s administration in Oyo State has demonstrated effective leadership.
“If you go to Oyo, you will see that he has been tested with leadership in one of the largest states in the country. He has performed very well,” he stated.
He added that the transformation in the state over the years is evident in infrastructure development, improved livelihoods, and relative stability.
“If you have been to Oyo in the past nine or ten years and compare it with now, you know this is not the same Oyo. You see infrastructure, livelihood improvement, economic stability and relative peace,” he said.
Dantalle also described Makinde as a youthful and competent leader with an engineering background, which he said positions him well for national leadership.
“He is a young man, an engineer, who is capable compared to what we have seen around. He can steer the ship of Nigeria to the next level,” he added.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would ultimately benefit from Makinde’s leadership if elected president.
“Nigerians will be proud that they made the right choice by electing Seyi Makinde as President,” he said.
The APM chairman further stated that internal crises within the PDP and other political parties had led some politicians to seek alternative platforms while awaiting resolution of disputes in their former parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He disclosed that several politicians, including Makinde, had joined the APM.
“Today, Seyi Makinde is a member of APM,” Dantalle said.
He added that many aspirants formerly under the PDP platform would now contest elections under APM.
“All aspirants in PDP will run their race on the platform of APM,” he said.
Dantalle stressed that political alliances are constitutional and part of democratic practice in Nigeria, referencing past collaborations between parties during elections.
He also dismissed concerns that Nigeria was drifting into a one-party state, insisting that the political space remains competitive with multiple parties fielding candidates.
“Today, you have presidential candidates of not less than ten parties. Would you call that a one-party state?” he asked.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity makes one-party dominance unrealistic.
Dantalle maintained that defections and disagreements are normal features of democracy and should not be seen as democratic failure.
He also reaffirmed IPAC’s commitment to democratic consolidation and electoral reforms, noting that the council would continue to engage stakeholders within the framework of the law.
He criticized certain party primary processes, describing some as lacking transparency and credibility, while urging improvements in internal democracy.
On governance structure, he called for strengthened local government administration, insisting that grassroots governance remains critical to national development.
He also expressed concern over worsening insecurity in the country, citing rising cases of kidnapping, attacks on schools, and violence in rural communities.
Dantalle warned that insecurity poses a serious threat to education, agriculture, and national stability, urging collective action from leaders and citizens.
He concluded by aligning APM’s vision with what he described as a “national reset agenda” championed by Makinde.
“Resetting Nigeria means going back to the foundation and ensuring a transparent electoral process where people can freely choose their leaders,” he said.
