The Allied People's Movement (APM) has declared that its 2027 presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, will defeat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming general election, pointing to what it described as the governor's surging national appeal and credibility.
APM national spokesperson Abubakar Yusuf made the declaration on Monday, July 23, in Abuja, confirming that the party has formally submitted Makinde's profile, along with those of its vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal ahead of the polls.
Party Confirms Candidate Submission to INEC
Yusuf said, according to Leadership: "We have uploaded details of our Presidential, Vice Presidential and National Assembly candidates as required by INEC. This marks another important milestone in our journey towards offering Nigerians a credible, competent and people-oriented alternative in the 2027 general elections."
The APM expressed confidence in Makinde's pedigree, arguing that his track record in Oyo State, particularly his management of public finances, positioned him as the strongest opposition figure capable of unseating the incumbent.
Yusuf Highlights Makinde's Achievements
Yusuf stated: "Our presidential candidate stands out as a leader whose record speaks for itself. His achievements have earned him national recognition as one of Nigeria's most performing governors and that is why Nigerians want him as President."
He added that the governor's relative youth, energy and capacity to bridge Nigeria's ethnic and religious divides made him uniquely suited for the presidency. The party also pointed to deepening economic hardship, widespread insecurity and rising unemployment as conditions that it said only an APM administration under Makinde could reverse.
Yusuf said: "With an APM-led administration and Makinde on the saddle, the welfare of Nigerians will be at the centre of government policies."
Bala Mohammed Named as APM Senatorial Candidate
Furthermore, the APM also confirmed that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed will contest a senatorial seat under the party's platform in 2027. Yusuf described Mohammed as bringing considerable experience that would reinforce the party's legislative ambitions alongside its presidential push.
The APM official noted that the party is recording a wave of new membership, which he attributed to growing disillusionment with the ruling administration and confidence in the party's candidate lineup. He stated, according to The Sun: "The APM is proud of the quality of leaders flying its flag across the country. Our candidates are men and women of proven character, integrity and outstanding performance in their respective fields."
Tinubu, Obi, Atiku, Makinde Set to Clash
Nigeria's general elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, when voters will elect the president and vice president, as well as members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027. Incumbent President Tinubu, a longtime APC chieftain, is seeking a second term.
Alongside Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi are widely regarded as the leading contenders in the presidential race. While Atiku is a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obi is a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
APC stalwarts believe President Bola Tinubu remains the party's frontrunner and favourite to win the 2027 presidential election.
