The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has criticised the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for its presidential ambition, saying the party should focus on building a nationwide political structure before eyeing the presidency. According to SSACO, the presidency cannot be secured through press statements and political theatrics but through organisation and electoral support. This statement was made in response to APM's call for President Bola Tinubu to step aside for its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in the 2027 presidential election.
SSACO described APM's call as laughable and the height of political hallucination. The organisation argued that a presidential ambition required a nationwide political structure capable of contesting elections across the country. APM's demand was seen as premature, and SSACO advised the party to first demonstrate its national structure and political strength before hyping its presidential candidate. This criticism was made in a statement by SSACO's Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele.
SSACO challenged APM to disclose the extent of its electoral structures across the federation and demonstrate its capacity to compete across the states and the FCT. The organisation suggested that APM should have candidates contesting various elective positions in at least one-third of the country to demonstrate its seriousness. This, according to SSACO, would show that APM is a viable contender for the presidency.
The campaign organisation also turned its criticism to Makinde, saying the governor had political challenges to address in Oyo State before seeking to lead Nigeria. SSACO argued that a politician seeking the presidency should first demonstrate strong political support in his home state. Makinde's ability to lead Nigeria was questioned, given his alleged inability to effectively govern Oyo State.
SSACO expressed concerns that Makinde would paralyse Nigeria's 774 local governments and the six FCT Area Councils if he ever had the chance to occupy Aso Rock as number one citizen. The organisation implied that Makinde's governorship style has been ineffective, and he should focus on resolving the political challenges in his home state before seeking the presidency.
The statement from SSACO said Nigerians would not be naive to surrender the presidency to a man notorious for paralysing local governments, the effective channels of grassroots development. It added that charity begins at home, and a man seeking to conquer Nigeria must first demonstrate compelling political strength on his own turf. This, according to SSACO, is a crucial factor that would determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
Ultimately, the 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters rather than political statements. President Tinubu, who is seeking another term on the platform of a party with an established national presence, is likely to face a competitive election. The criticism from SSACO highlights the challenges that APM and Makinde will face in their quest for the presidency.
Key points
- APM's presidential ambition is premature without a nationwide political structure.
- Makinde faces political challenges in Oyo State before seeking the presidency.
- The 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters rather than political statements.
