By Abubakar Yusuf
The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to support the emergence of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as the opposition’s consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call comes ahead of an expected meeting of the G-100, a political pressure group advocating for opposition parties to unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM said the opposition’s primary objective should be to build a broad coalition capable of defeating the incumbent president, urging political stakeholders to place the national interest above individual ambitions.
http://2027: APM Urges Atiku, Obi to Back Makinde as Opposition Consensus Candidate
However, emerging positions from the camps of Atiku and Obi suggest that the two politicians may not be prepared to withdraw their presidential ambitions in favour of a single opposition candidate.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, confirmed that consultations among opposition parties on the possibility of a single presidential candidate were still ongoing.
Yusuf, however, argued that Makinde was better positioned to emerge as the opposition’s consensus candidate, citing his political experience, record as governor, popularity among young Nigerians and perceived territorial advantage.
APM: Opposition Talks Still Ongoing
Yusuf said negotiations among opposition parties had reached an advanced stage, although he acknowledged the sensitive nature of the discussions.
“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.”
He said the process required political maturity and sacrifice because it involved competing interests and ambitions.
According to him, the overriding objective should be to respond to Nigerians’ demand for a stronger opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
“What Nigerians want is for opposition parties to come together, form a strong front and defeat President Tinubu in the 2027 elections,” Yusuf said.
APM Pushes Makinde as Consensus Candidate
The APM spokesman maintained that Makinde had emerged as a strong contender for the opposition consensus ticket because of his record in Oyo State and his connection with younger voters, professionals and other demographic groups.
“Without prejudice to the outcome of the consultations, Governor Makinde comes clearer as the best opposition consensus presidential candidate,” Yusuf said.
He described Makinde as a politician capable of offering what he called “a new beginning” to Nigerians.
Yusuf also claimed that the Oyo governor’s political appeal extended beyond his home state, arguing that his perceived popularity among younger Nigerians and professionals could strengthen the opposition’s chances in the presidential election.
2027 Presidency: APM Cites Southern Sentiment
The APM spokesman also pointed to what he described as a growing sentiment in parts of the country that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027.
According to Yusuf, the argument is that a southern candidate should succeed President Tinubu and complete another four-year tenure before power potentially returns to the North.
“You cannot overlook that,” he said, stressing that political parties seeking a consensus candidate would have to take such considerations into account.
He subsequently argued that Makinde’s emergence would address the geographical consideration while also presenting the opposition with a candidate with executive experience.
Yusuf: Makinde Has Economic, Security Blueprint
Yusuf further claimed that Makinde possessed the policy credentials needed to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
“Go across the country and ask questions. You will notice that Nigerians want a new beginning,” he said.
“They want a leader with new and practical ideas, not theories and figure-pointing; a leader with answers and solutions and Governor Makinde fits into the frame.”
He said Makinde’s proposed approach, according to the APM, would focus on national security, economic revival, employment creation and infrastructure development.
“He is the only candidate with the blueprint to secure the nation, revamp the economy, create new jobs and revitalize our comatose infrastructure.
This is a fact that you can verify,” Yusuf added.
APM Appeals to Atiku, Obi
Asked whether the reported positions of the Atiku and Obi camps were responsible for the difficulty in reaching agreement on a single opposition candidate, Yusuf said he could not speak on behalf of the two politicians.
He nevertheless appealed to all opposition stakeholders to make concessions for the sake of the broader coalition.
“I cannot speak for them, but what is important now is for all stakeholders to set aside their personal interests and support Governor Makinde,” he said.
Yusuf maintained that the objective should be to select the candidate considered most capable of defeating President Tinubu at the polls.
The debate over a possible opposition coalition is expected to remain a major feature of preparations for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, particularly as opposition parties and political groups continue consultations over whether they can agree on a single candidate.