A chieftain of the Allied Peoples Movement, Oluwaseun Adelore, has announced that the party has a strategy to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Adelore described the 2027 election as a marathon race, stating that opposition parties can still unite behind a common candidate. He proposed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as a "sellable brand" with leadership qualities required to lead Nigeria.
Adelore urged opposition parties to put aside their differences and support Makinde if they are genuinely committed to addressing Nigeria's challenges. He noted that presenting a common candidate capable of persuading Nigerians to support an alternative to the present administration is crucial. According to Adelore, Makinde has demonstrated passion for the people of Oyo State and a willingness to take difficult decisions in the interest of good governance.
Adelore defended Makinde's previous political trajectory, citing his emergence as governor of Oyo State despite criticisms that he lacked experience. He argued that Makinde has since demonstrated leadership qualities, including a willingness to take difficult decisions and put the needs of his people first. Adelore maintained that Makinde's trajectory can be replicated at the national level.
The APM chieftain criticised the Federal Government over its borrowing plans, accusing the Tinubu administration of lacking a clear strategy for repaying the country's growing debt. He also called on the World Bank and other international lenders to stop extending fresh loans to Nigeria. The APM has expressed concerns over reports of discussions between the Federal Government and the World Bank over three proposed financing facilities totalling $1.5 billion.
The proposed facilities comprise three $500 million loans targeting climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development. The APM accused Tinubu of further burdening Nigerians through additional borrowing, questioning why the government is seeking additional loans despite increased revenue following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
The party attributed rising pressure on Nigerians to higher costs of food, electricity, transportation and healthcare, as well as reduced purchasing power and difficulties confronting businesses. The APM urged the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other international lenders to withhold further credit to the Federal Government, citing the need for greater transparency, fiscal discipline and investment in productive sectors.
Adelore concluded that the APM has "done it before" and has a strategy for the 2027 contest, expressing confidence that Makinde can transform Nigeria within four years. He described Makinde's emergence as a step towards addressing the country's challenges, saying "a journey of a thousand years starts with a step."
Key points
- The Allied Peoples Movement has a strategy to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is proposed as a candidate with leadership qualities required to lead Nigeria.
- The APM criticised the Federal Government's borrowing plans, accusing the Tinubu administration of lacking a clear strategy for repaying the country's growing debt.
