Adewale Adebayo, Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State, has expressed confidence in the party's ability to make a significant impact in the 2027 general elections. In an interview, Adebayo stated that APM is not a small party, despite being relatively new, and is well-prepared to compete with major parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He emphasized that APM has been mobilizing since after the 2023 general election and has built a youth-oriented structure.
Adebayo highlighted that APM has deliberately integrated youths and women into its structure, ahead of the 2027 elections. The party has also started integrating people in the informal sector into its structure in Osun State, who are expected to play a crucial role in the election. According to Adebayo, these groups have been directly affected by bad governance and are eager to change the narrative through their votes. He expressed confidence that APM's presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, will garner significant support across the country.
The APM Osun State Chairman explained that the party's approach is grassroots-based, focusing on connecting with voters physically rather than just having them on paper. APM is taking its message to communities, wards, units, and local government areas, educating voters on the electoral process and the importance of voting according to their convictions. Adebayo emphasized that the party's message is simple: people should look beyond the size or age of a political party and examine what each party represents.
Adebayo's comments come after Governor Ademola Adeleke's decision to back President Bola Tinubu and support Accord's candidates for some legislative seats. However, Adebayo believes that this move may create an opportunity for APM, as there seems to be confusion regarding Adeleke's political direction ahead of 2027. He noted that many people in Osun State may not vote for Accord, while others are dissatisfied with the APC, creating a political space for APM to fill.
Adebayo emphasized that APM will benefit from what he described as Adeleke's confusion over supporting Tinubu and Accord's legislative candidates. He urged voters to be wary of political calculations and examine what each candidate and party stands for. According to Adebayo, politics is about the people, and voters have the right to make their own decisions, especially when political alignments become complicated.
As Chairman of APM in Osun, Adebayo stated that the party is working to strengthen its presence at the ward and local government levels after the last governorship election. The party has been going door-to-door across the three senatorial districts, the nine federal constituencies, and the local government areas, engaging in voter education and mobilisation. Adebayo expressed confidence that when the time comes, APM members will identify the party with the cassava logo on the ballot.
Adebayo previously served as the APM governorship candidate in the August 2026 election but stepped down shortly before the poll to support Governor Adeleke. He stated that his decision was based on the interest of the people of Osun State, after consulting with the party, leaders, and supporters across the state. Adebayo's current stance is that APM will present itself as a viable alternative to voters who are looking for another platform.
Key points
- APM is confident in its ability to make a significant impact in the 2027 general elections.
- The party has been mobilizing since after the 2023 general election and has built a youth-oriented structure.
- APM's presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, is expected to garner significant support across the country.
