APM Should Build Political Structure Before Seeking Presidency — Alli

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has criticised the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make way for its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, ahead of the 2027 general election.

The organisation said the APM would need to demonstrate its national political structure and electoral presence before presenting itself as a major contender for the presidency.

In a statement, the campaign organisation said presidential ambitions required more than public declarations, arguing that parties seeking the highest political office must have structures capable of supporting campaigns and candidates across the country.

It challenged the APM to show the extent of its presence across the states and the Federal Capital Territory and demonstrate its ability to field candidates for various elective positions.

The organisation also questioned whether the APM had enough candidates and political structures across at least one-third of the country to demonstrate its preparedness for a nationwide election.

The campaign organisation also turned its attention to Makinde, arguing that the governor still faced political contests in Oyo State despite the APM’s decision to present him as its presidential candidate.

It said a candidate seeking the presidency should first demonstrate strong political support and organisation within his home state.

The organisation maintained that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be determined by voters rather than political statements or public declarations by parties and campaign groups.

It said Tinubu was seeking another term under a political party with an established nationwide structure, while Makinde’s presidential ambition would have to contend with the political contest in Oyo State.

The campaign organisation urged the APM to focus on building its electoral structure and preparing for the decision of voters rather than presenting the presidency as an office that could be transferred through political declarations.

It added that the presidency would be contested by candidates and ultimately decided by Nigerians through the ballot box.