Alli Campaign Organisation Tackles APM Over Makinde’s 2027 Presidential Ambition

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has criticised the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) over its call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement, the campaign organisation described the APM’s position as unrealistic, arguing that the party must first demonstrate sufficient nationwide political structure and electoral strength to mount a credible presidential campaign.

The group said the APM should show the extent of its organisational presence across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as its capacity to field candidates for various elective positions.

“Declaring an ambition is one thing; building the political structure required to prosecute a nationwide presidential election is another entirely,” the organisation said.

It also questioned whether the APM had the capacity to compete effectively across the country, arguing that serious presidential contenders should have a broad electoral structure.

Turning its attention to Makinde, the organisation claimed that the governor still faced significant political challenges in Oyo State despite being presented by the APM as its presidential candidate.

“Even Governor Seyi Makinde, whom the APM now parades as its presidential candidate, has serious political battles to fight in his home state of Oyo,” it said, adding that a presidential aspirant must demonstrate political strength in his home state before seeking national office.

The organisation further argued that the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be determined by voters rather than political statements or declarations by parties and campaign groups.

It said President Tinubu was seeking another term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which it described as having an established nationwide political organisation.

“For Governor Makinde, however, that national ambition does not erase the political contest unfolding back home in Oyo State,” the statement added.

The group urged the APM to prepare for the decision of the electorate, stressing that the presidency could only be secured through the electoral process.

“The presidency of Nigeria is neither inherited nor surrendered on demand. It is contested for and determined by the Nigerian people at the ballot box,” it said.