The Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has identified improved security as a key requirement for reviving Plateau State’s tourism potential, promising that his proposed RESET Agenda would create an environment for investment, job creation and economic growth.
Makinde made the pledge on Monday during the APM presidential campaign rally in Jos, Plateau State, where he urged residents to support the party’s 2027 presidential ambition.
He said Plateau had historically been known for its peaceful atmosphere, cool weather and tourism attractions, but noted that insecurity had undermined the state’s potential.
Reflecting on his previous visits to Jos, the presidential candidate said the state’s climate and natural attractions could make it a major tourism destination if security challenges were addressed.
“I would have preferred this rally to have been held in the evening because, since I arrived, I have enjoyed the cool weather in Jos every evening. This tells us that if we get security right, people will come to Plateau State for tourism,” he said.
Makinde described security as one of the major pillars of the RESET Nigeria Agenda, arguing that improved safety would attract tourists, expand economic activities and create employment opportunities for young people.
He called on party members and supporters to take the campaign message to their respective polling units, stressing that electoral victories were built through grassroots mobilisation.
“Elections are won at the unit level. Go back to your units with the RESET message. If Nigeria is not working for you, then let us reset it. When we reset Nigeria, we will have a country that works for everybody,” he said.
The APM candidate also accused the ruling administration of adopting ideas similar to those contained in his party’s RESET Agenda, questioning what he described as the gap between its promises and the experiences of Nigerians over the past three years.
He urged Plateau residents to support the APM, saying the party was offering an alternative focused on building a country that works for all citizens.
Earlier, the APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, appealed to Plateau residents to support the party, describing the state as one with significant tourism potential that deserved renewed attention.
Daura said the party was visiting Plateau to seek the people’s support and demonstrate its commitment to addressing the challenges affecting the state and the country.
He regretted that insecurity had affected the state’s reputation as a destination for tourism and other economic activities.
Also speaking, the APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantelle, criticised the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy on Nigerians, questioning whether the policy had delivered the improved living conditions promised by the Federal Government.
He said rising living costs, food insecurity and farmers’ inability to access their farms had worsened the hardship experienced by citizens.
Dantelle described the APM as being on a rescue mission, urging supporters to take the party’s message to their communities and mobilise more Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By Eke Janet
