APM says Makinde coalition gathering pace ahead of 2027 poll

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has said its efforts to build a broad political alliance ahead of the 2027 general election are beginning to produce results, expressing confidence that its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, can defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The party pointed to recent developments in Ekiti State, where a group of Peoples Democratic Party members publicly declared support for Makinde while remaining within the PDP, as evidence that its strategy of engaging like-minded political groups is gaining traction.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the APM described the Ekiti endorsement as an early sign that its outreach to opposition forces is attracting positive responses across party lines.

Yusuf said those backing Makinde had chosen to retain their membership and organisational structure within the PDP while supporting the Oyo governor’s presidential ambition.

“That is why we have been galvanizing cross-party support for our presidential candidate, and I can confirm to you that our alliance talks with such like-minded political parties are yielding the desired results. We welcome the reaffirmation of support by the Ekiti Chapter of the PDP to our presidential candidate, and I can tell you that you will hear more of such solidarity in the coming days.”

According to the APM spokesman, thousands of PDP members and residents gathered in Ado Ekiti on Friday to publicly reaffirm Makinde as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The party believes the endorsement has strengthened its campaign, insisting it is fully focused on winning the next presidential contest.

“We are working very hard and putting all our energy into this election because we are running to win. We have a good presidential candidate in Governor Makinde, who has already become the rallying point for Nigerians, especially the youth.”

Yusuf argued that Makinde’s record as governor has made him an attractive option for Nigerians seeking a change in leadership.

“Giving Governor Makinde’s sterling performance, especially as Governor of Oyo State, Nigerians have accepted him as the credible alternative to President Tinubu, who has failed the nation in every ramification. So, we are in this election to win, and there is no going back.”

He added that support for both Makinde and the APM has continued to expand nationwide since the governor emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

The spokesman credited the growing interest to Makinde’s performance in areas including infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic management and civil service welfare. He also said the party is strengthening its grassroots presence while preparing what it described as a policy-driven campaign for the 2027 election.

Yusuf maintained that many Nigerians are embracing the APM because of its commitment to democratic governance, accountability, transparency, improved security, economic recovery and sustainable development.

He said the party would prioritise the welfare, safety and prosperity of Nigerians if elected into office.

“We are building the numbers, we are strengthening the structure, and we will run one of the most robust, issue-based, and winning campaigns in the history of Nigeria. We welcome all Nigerians who share this vision to join the APM and be part of the movement for national renewal.”