The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has challenged the Allied Peoples Movement to demonstrate its nationwide political structure before seeking the presidency for its candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The group was reacting to the APM’s recent call on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and support Makinde.
In a statement, the organisation described the APM’s demand as premature, arguing that a presidential ambition requires nationwide organisation and candidates capable of competing across the federation.
“Declaring an ambition is one thing; building the political structure required to prosecute a nationwide presidential election is another entirely,” the organisation said.
It challenged the APM to demonstrate the extent of its electoral structures across the states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as its capacity to field candidates across various elective positions.
The organisation also turned its criticism to Makinde, saying the governor still had political contests to face in Oyo State despite his presidential ambition.
“More importantly, even Governor Seyi Makinde, whom the APM now parades as its presidential candidate, has serious political battles to fight in his home state of Oyo,” it said.
The group argued that a candidate seeking the presidency must demonstrate political strength in his home state before attempting to secure nationwide support.
It further said the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be decided by voters rather than political statements issued by parties or campaign organisations.
“The presidency of Nigeria is neither inherited nor surrendered on demand. It is contested for and determined by the Nigerian people at the ballot box,” the organisation said.
The APM has already commenced activities ahead of the 2027 election, with Makinde identified as its presidential candidate and the campaign organisation conducting zonal town hall meetings across the country.
Makinde has also unveiled his “Reset Nigeria Agenda”, outlining proposed reforms covering the economy, education, security and governance.
The Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, however, said the APM should focus on building its political structures and preparing for the electorate’s verdict rather than asking Tinubu to relinquish his presidential ambition.
It also described President Tinubu as seeking another term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, which it said has an established nationwide organisation.
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