The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has said recent criticism of its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, by the Presidency reflects what it described as growing anxiety over his prospects ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party alleged that the Tinubu administration had resorted to personal attacks because it lacked a convincing record of achievements, insisting that Makinde would defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The statement followed remarks by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, who, during an interview on Monday, dismissed Makinde and the APM as inconsequential to the 2027 presidential race.
Reacting, the APM described Bwala’s comments as unfortunate, accusing the Presidency of resorting to disparagement instead of addressing issues affecting Nigerians.
“It is rather pathetic that the Tinubu Presidency has fallen so low into ignominy that it now relies on internationally discredited and politically inconsistent characters like Daniel Bwala to speak for it on national television, a situation that further confirms that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu no longer commands the support of credible Nigerians,” the statement read.
The party also referred to Bwala’s March 6, 2026, interview with Al Jazeera, claiming Nigerians could see through what it described as the tactics of the President’s media team.
According to the APM, the 2027 presidential election would be a contest between Makinde and Tinubu, expressing confidence that its candidate would emerge victorious.
The party argued that the Presidency was uneasy because it lacked a strong performance record to present to Nigerians.
“The APM is, therefore, not surprised that the Tinubu Presidency is deflated and intimidated because it has no tangible scorecard of achievements to present to the public,” the statement said.
Despite its criticism, the party said it would not be drawn into an exchange of insults, maintaining that its focus remained on issues affecting the country.
The APM described Makinde’s performance as governor of Oyo State as evidence of his leadership credentials, citing economic growth and governance reforms under his administration.
It also claimed the governor enjoyed widespread support among young Nigerians and expressed confidence that he would receive broad backing in the 2027 presidential election.
“To suggest that a presidential candidate with such an army of support is ‘inconsequential’ says more about the anxiety within the corridors of power than it does about the candidate,” the party said.
The APM added that the outcome of the 2027 election would demonstrate the strength of Makinde’s support across the country.
