Adewale Adebayo, the Osun State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the party's governorship candidate in the August 2026 governorship election, has expressed confidence in the party's ability to spring a surprise in the 2027 general elections. In an interview, Adebayo stated that APM is not a small party and has been mobilizing since after the 2023 general election. He emphasized that the party is youth-oriented and has built a structure that will make it difficult for the ruling APC or any other party to penetrate.
Adebayo highlighted that APM has been positioning itself for the presidential, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly elections. He noted that the party has seen politicians from bigger parties embrace APM, which shows confidence in what the party is building. Adebayo also mentioned that youths and women have been deliberately integrated into the party's structure, and most of its candidates are youths who are prepared to go all out for victory.
The APM chairman explained that the party's approach is grassroots-based, focusing on taking its message to communities, wards, polling units, and local governments. He stated that the party is educating voters on the electoral process and emphasizing the need for voters to look beyond the size or age of a party and examine what it represents. Adebayo expressed confidence that on election day, those who have joined APM will identify the cassava logo and vote for it.
Adebayo addressed the issue of Governor Ademola Adeleke's support for President Tinubu and Accord candidates, stating that this situation creates an opportunity for APM. He described Adeleke's political direction as confusing ahead of 2027, which may lead to some people in Osun not voting for Accord due to the party's inability to field candidates in some areas or dissatisfaction with the APC.
Adebayo previously stepped down as APM's governorship candidate in August 2026 to support Governor Adeleke. He explained that this decision was made in the interest of the people of Osun, after consulting with the party, its leaders, and supporters. Adebayo denied allegations that his withdrawal was financially induced, stating that no amount of money can buy his passion for good governance, his party, and the interest of their people.
Adebayo clarified that there was no direct political agreement between him and Governor Adeleke. He emphasized that supporting somebody in one election does not mean surrendering one's political identity. Adebayo also denied that his withdrawal damaged APM's credibility, stating that it has shown the people of Osun that the party does not practice politics of bitterness.
Finally, Adebayo urged voters not to judge APM solely by the number of people currently occupying political offices. He encouraged them to look at the people joining the party, the structures being built, and the candidates being presented. Adebayo expressed confidence that APM will surprise many people in Osun and beyond in the 2027 election.
Key points
- APM is preparing for the 2027 general elections with a grassroots-based approach and a youth-oriented structure.
- Adewale Adebayo stepped down as APM's governorship candidate to support Governor Ademola Adeleke, citing the interest of the people of Osun.
- Adebayo is confident that APM will spring a surprise in the 2027 election, despite being a relatively small party.
