The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has appealed to opposition political parties across Nigeria to rally behind the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as their consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The party made the appeal on Monday through its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, as consultations intensify among opposition groups seeking to field a single candidate against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The call comes ahead of a proposed opposition meeting scheduled for August 31, organised as part of ongoing efforts to build a united political platform capable of challenging the APC in 2027.
Yusuf said the APM believes Makinde has emerged as one of the strongest potential candidates capable of defeating President Tinubu at the polls.
According to him, discussions among opposition parties on producing a consensus candidate are already at an advanced stage, although he acknowledged that the process remains sensitive because of the competing interests of various political actors.
He said the opposition should prioritise the desire of Nigerians for political change over individual ambitions.
“Without prejudice to the outcome of the consultations, Governor Makinde comes clearer as the best opposition consensus presidential candidate,” Yusuf said.
The APM spokesman also argued that Makinde’s record as governor, coupled with what he described as his popularity among young Nigerians, professionals and other sections of the electorate, gives him an advantage over other opposition contenders.
Yusuf further appealed to opposition leaders to consider the principle of regional power rotation, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete another four-year tenure before power potentially returns to the North.
He said Makinde represents what he described as a candidate capable of offering practical solutions to Nigeria’s major challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, economic difficulties and infrastructure deficits.
“Go across the country and ask questions. You will notice that Nigerians want a new beginning. They want a leader with new and practical ideas, not theories and finger-pointing,” he said.
Yusuf also claimed that Makinde has a comprehensive plan to address Nigeria’s security challenges, revive the economy, create employment opportunities and improve infrastructure.
However, when asked about the reported reservations within the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi regarding a single opposition candidate, Yusuf said he could not speak on behalf of the two politicians.
He nevertheless urged all opposition leaders and presidential aspirants to put aside personal ambitions and work towards producing a single candidate who can mount a strong challenge to the APC in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM’s position adds to growing discussions among opposition parties over the possibility of forming a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, with the central objective of presenting a united challenge to President Tinubu’s bid for another term.
