APM says Tinubu threatened by Makinde’s rising popularity

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has accused President Bola Tinubu of being unsettled by the growing popularity of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, claiming recent remarks from the Presidency reflect concerns ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party alleged that the Tinubu administration had resorted to personal attacks because it lacked a convincing record of achievements to present to Nigerians.

 

The APM was reacting to comments by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, who, during an interview on Monday, dismissed Makinde and the party as inconsequential to the 2027 presidential race.

 

Responding, the party described Bwala’s remarks as unfortunate and accused the Presidency of focusing on political attacks instead of addressing issues affecting Nigerians.

 

“It is rather pathetic that the Tinubu Presidency has fallen so low into ignominy that it now relies on… Daniel Bwala to speak for it on national television,” the statement said.

 

The APM claimed that Makinde’s performance as governor had positioned him as a credible alternative for the presidency and alleged that Nigerians were looking to replace the current administration in 2027.

 

The party also said it would not be drawn into an exchange of insults, insisting that its focus remained on presenting solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges.

 

According to the APM, Makinde’s administration in Oyo State has recorded achievements that it believes can be replicated at the national level.

 

The party further claimed that the governor enjoys widespread support, particularly among young Nigerians, and expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.

 

The Presidency has yet to respond to the APM’s latest claims.