The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has urged opposition political parties to adopt Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as their consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call comes ahead of the August 31 summit of opposition parties convened by the G-100 to explore the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, said on Monday that consultations among opposition parties were ongoing and had reached an advanced stage.
According to Yusuf, Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the APM, is well positioned to emerge as the opposition’s consensus candidate because of his political experience, performance as governor and popularity across different sections of the country.
He urged opposition stakeholders to demonstrate sportsmanship and place the national interest above individual political ambitions.
Yusuf acknowledged that other opposition presidential candidates, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), were also in contention.
He, however, argued that the opposition needed to unite behind a candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“I can confirm to you that discussions and consultations among opposition parties are going on well and reaching advanced stage on the issue of a single presidential candidate,” Yusuf said.
He noted that there was growing sentiment in some quarters that the South should produce Tinubu’s successor in 2027, arguing that this would allow the region to complete another four-year tenure before power potentially returns to the North.
“It is a delicate issue that touches on interests. But most importantly, we, especially in the APM, are listening to Nigerians,” he said.
“What Nigerians want is for opposition parties to come together, form a strong front and defeat President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.”
Yusuf maintained that Makinde’s record in Oyo State and his appeal among young Nigerians, professionals and other groups made him a strong candidate for the opposition.
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He described the governor as a politician capable of offering what he called a “new beginning” for the country.
“Without prejudice to the outcome of the consultations, Governor Makinde comes clearer as the best opposition consensus presidential candidate,” Yusuf stated.
He attributed the party’s position to Makinde’s record in office, connection with younger Nigerians and popularity among the electorate.
The APM spokesman also claimed that Makinde had a blueprint capable of addressing insecurity, economic challenges, unemployment and infrastructure deficits.
Yusuf further argued that the opposition should consider the regional balance surrounding the 2027 presidency when selecting its candidate.
He said the issue of zoning and the desire for a southern successor to Tinubu could not be ignored during the consultations.
The proposed opposition consensus arrangement is expected to feature prominently at the August 31 summit as opposition parties continue negotiations over how to present a united challenge to the APC in the 2027 presidential election.
