By Usman Walin Gungura, Bauchi
The Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has informed that the party is positioning itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that Nigerians will ultimately determine the country’s political future through the ballot.
Governor Makinde made this known while briefing journalists shortly after a closed-door meeting that lasted more than two hours with the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, at the Presidential Lodge in Bauchi.
Makinde, was accompanied by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle.
He described Governor Bala Mohammed as a trusted colleague and partner in governance, saying the visit was part of ongoing consultations on governance, security and the future of the party.
The Oyo State Governor said he sought to learn from Bauchi’s experience in addressing security challenges, revealing that he received valuable briefings and practical ideas that will be adapted in Oyo State.
He added that their discussions also centred on strengthening democratic institutions and building the APM into a constructive opposition capable of providing issue based leadership for the country.
Responding to questions from journalists, Makinde said the APM remained optimistic despite the current political climate, recalling that he emerged victorious as an opposition candidate in Oyo State in 2019 despite the dominance of the ruling party at the federal, state and local government levels.
He maintained that the will of Nigerians must never be suppressed, insisting that the electorate would make their choice freely when elections are held.
Makinde described the nation’s political atmosphere as “toxic” but expressed optimism that Nigeria was approaching a new chapter.
Speaking on insecurity, the APM presidential candidate stressed the need to align responsibility with constitutional authority, arguing that state governors are often held accountable for security situations without possessing the necessary powers to respond decisively.
He said an APM-led Federal Government would reform the country’s security architecture to ensure that those entrusted with responsibility are also empowered with the authority required to protect lives and property.
In his remarks, Governor Bala Mohammed said the meeting reflected a long standing tradition of collaboration and peer review among political leaders.
He disclosed that the meeting enabled them to extensively review the security challenges confronting their states and discussed strategies for improving public safety.
The Governor acknowledged the contributions of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, for providing vibrant leadership and helping to expand the party’s national profile.
