APM Urges Tinubu to Quit 2027 Race, Back Makinde

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has asked President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and support its candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

The opposition party made the call in a statement on Friday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf.

Yusuf accused the Tinubu administration of failing to provide the leadership the party believes Nigeria needs.

He also alleged that the President had handed too much control of government to family members, aides and other unelected individuals.

The party further criticised Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria and delivered the country’s national statement.

According to Yusuf, the President’s absence from the gathering weakened Nigeria’s ability to advance its interests through direct diplomatic engagement.

“Mr President’s repeated absence at meetings of world leaders, particularly the United Nations General Assembly, also underscores his inability to effectively represent, propagate and drive Nigeria’s interest at the global level,” he said.

The APM also faulted the administration’s handling of insecurity, accusing Tinubu of failing to personally visit communities affected by attacks or meet victims and grieving families.

Yusuf said the President should take a more direct role in tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The party also attacked the administration’s economic policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, tax reforms and increased borrowing.

Yusuf claimed that the policies had worsened economic hardship, contributed to business closures and increased the movement of Nigerians abroad in search of opportunities.

He particularly criticised the country’s rising debt, alleging that the administration’s borrowing had pushed Nigeria’s debt burden to N159.28 trillion.

The APM also claimed that more than 3.7 million Nigerian youths and professionals had left the country under the “Japa” trend, which it linked to growing concerns over the economy and brain drain.

The party said Nigeria could not afford another four years under what it described as an “insensitive and rudderless administration”.

It consequently urged Tinubu to reconsider his reported plan to seek another term and back Makinde instead.

“President Tinubu must understand that Nigeria requires a leader with full stamina, who is present, accessible and fully engaged in governance,” Yusuf said.

He described Makinde as a younger and experienced leader with what the party considers a record of performance in Oyo State.

“The APM again urges President Tinubu to reconsider his intention to seek another term, withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and be patriotic by supporting Engr. Makinde in the overall interest of the nation,” he added.

The statement represents the APM’s political position ahead of the 2027 elections. The party’s claims about the administration’s record and its endorsement of Makinde are its own assertions.