The Allied Peoples Movement's (APM) Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw from his 2027 re-election bid. The campaign's Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, stated this in Abuja on Sunday. He cited Tinubu's continued foreign trips and recent visit to Saudi Arabia for prayers as evidence of his limitations. Ihediwa emphasized that Nigeria needs a president with the required stamina to lead the country effectively.
Ihediwa's comments come after President Tinubu's recent trip to Saudi Arabia for prayers, just weeks after returning from a vacation in France. The APM campaign also pointed out that Tinubu had to be flown to Mecca for prayers after delivering a speech at the sparsely attended flag-off of his re-election campaign in Kaduna last week. According to Ihediwa, these actions demonstrate that Tinubu no longer has the capacity, capability, and stamina to effectively perform in office.
The APM campaign Organisation stated that President Tinubu's age and limitations make him unsuitable for the demands of the presidency. Ihediwa argued that the presidency requires a lot of stamina, and Tinubu should allow a younger generation to take over. He suggested that President Tinubu should take the back seat and allow younger hands, like the APM's presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, to take over for the next four years.
Ihediwa praised Makinde, saying he possesses the experience, preparedness, and energy required to work round the clock and deliver on promises. He stated that Makinde's campaign train has received an enthusiastic reception from Nigerians across various geopolitical zones. According to Ihediwa, Makinde's ability to travel to every part of the country, spend quality time with citizens, and remain actively engaged in governance makes him a suitable candidate.
The APM campaign also reacted to the Federal Government's announcement of a monthly N50,000 payment to vulnerable households under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention. Ihediwa described it as a failed attempt to procure Nigerians, adding that such measures cannot sway the people from their determination to vote Tinubu out of office in January 2027.
Ihediwa urged Nigerians to sustain their momentum, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, and vote out President Tinubu if he fails to heed their counsel and withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. He expressed confidence that the APC would be defeated in future elections, citing the party's recent loss in the Osun State governorship election despite massive financial deployment.
The APM campaign's call for Tinubu to quit his re-election bid has sparked a renewed debate about the president's fitness for office. As the 2027 presidential election approaches, various stakeholders will likely continue to scrutinize the candidates' qualifications, experience, and capabilities. The outcome of the election will ultimately depend on the choices made by Nigerian voters.
Key points
- The APM campaign says Tinubu lacks the stamina to continue in office.
- The campaign suggests that Tinubu should allow a younger generation to take over.
- Ihediwa expresses confidence that the APC would be defeated in future elections.
