The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing widespread leadership and economic failures. In a statement released on Friday by APM's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party accused President Tinubu of abdicating his responsibilities to a "cabal" of family members, political aides, and unelected individuals. The APM criticized Tinubu's recent absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima led the Nigerian delegation.
The APM heavily criticized President Tinubu's approach to national security, questioning why he has not personally visited communities ravaged by terrorists and bandits, nor met directly with grieving families. The party claimed this "languid approach" has emboldened criminal elements, contributing to a worsening security crisis. According to the APM, President Tinubu has never demonstrated the commitment and capacity to lead from the front on matters of security, instead issuing "lame statements" and dispatching delegations.
The opposition party also condemned the administration's economic policies, highlighting the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy, the floating of the naira, and mounting external borrowing. The APM argued that the administration's "reckless borrowings" have pushed the nation's debt burden to an alarming ₦159.28 trillion, mortgaging the future of millions of Nigerians to foreign interests. This has forced major multinational companies to exit the country and accelerated the "Japa" phenomenon.
The APM estimates that over 3.7 million Nigerian youths and professionals have fled the country, creating an unprecedented brain drain in critical sectors such as health and education. The party declared that Nigeria cannot afford another four years of what it termed an "insensitive and rudderless administration". The APM officially called on President Tinubu to reconsider his intention to seek a second term.
Instead, the APM urged Nigerians to support its flagbearer, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The party described Makinde as a younger, energetic, and experienced leader with a proven record of sterling performance in Oyo State and a clear blueprint to reset the nation's trajectory. Makinde is being presented as an alternative to President Tinubu's administration.
The APM's statement concluded that President Tinubu must understand that Nigeria requires a leader with full stamina, who is present, accessible, and fully engaged in governance. The party's call for Tinubu's withdrawal from the 2027 race is based on its assessment of his administration's performance.
The development is a significant escalation in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election, with the APM positioning itself as a major player in the opposition. The party's endorsement of Governor Seyi Makinde adds to the growing list of potential candidates vying for the presidency.
Key points
- The APM cited President Tinubu's leadership failures and economic policies as reasons for its call for his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race.
- The party accused President Tinubu of abdicating his responsibilities to a "cabal" of family members, political aides, and unelected individuals.
- The APM endorsed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate, citing his performance in Oyo State and his blueprint for the nation.
