Makinde Tells Nigerians to Collect Campaign Money but Vote According to Their Conscience

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to accept money offered by politicians during election campaigns but make their voting decisions according to their conscience.

Makinde gave the advice during his presidential campaign flag-off in Bauchi State, where he addressed supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He cautioned voters against allowing financial inducements to determine their electoral choices, insisting that collecting money from politicians should not compel them to vote for candidates they do not support.

“When they bring money, it’s your money. Collect it, spend it, but vote your heart, and I know your heart is with us and with APM,” he told the gathering.

The APM candidate also called for what he described as a national reset, arguing that economic hardship, insecurity and the exclusion of citizens from governance had made fundamental changes necessary.

He questioned whether widespread hunger should not compel the country to reconsider its economic direction, just as persistent insecurity demanded a review of Nigeria’s security architecture.

Makinde further maintained that the exclusion of many Nigerians from governance required a reset of the country’s socio-political environment.

He urged citizens dissatisfied with the current state of affairs to support the proposed reset, saying Nigeria needed a government committed to addressing public concerns with sincerity and transparency.

The governor also appreciated Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, whom he described as his national leader, as well as the APM national chairman and his wife, for their support and encouragement.