Makinde is the Best Choice to Beat Tinubu in 2027, APM

The Allied Peoples Movement has backed Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as the best candidate for a possible opposition alliance against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

This announcement comes before a meeting set for Monday, August 31, 2026, of the G-100. This group is pushing for a single opposition candidate who can challenge Tinubu at the polls.

The APM, through its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, has called on other opposition presidential aspirants to set aside their ambitions and support Makinde. They believe he has the strongest chance of defeating Tinubu.

This development comes as it seems there are challenges in finding a single opposition candidate. The camps of Atiku Abubakar from the African Democratic Party and Peter Obi from the Nigeria Democratic Congress appear unwilling to drop their presidential ambitions.

Yusuf spoke in Abuja on Monday while addressing journalists. He said that talks among opposition parties are going well. He stressed that the goal is to create a strong political platform against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

"I can confirm to you that discussions and consultations among opposition parties are going on well and reaching an advanced stage on the issue of a single presidential candidate.

"Without prejudice to the outcome of the consultations, Governor Makinde comes clearer as the best opposition consensus presidential candidate," he said.

He noted that the process is sensitive due to the interests involved. But he added that the need for an alternative to the current government should come first.

"It is a delicate issue that touches on interests. But most importantly, we, especially in the APM, are listening to Nigerians. What Nigerians want is for opposition parties to come together, form a strong front and defeat President Tinubu in the 2027 elections," Yusuf said.

Another important point for opposition leaders to consider is the belief that the South should produce Tinubu’s successor in 2027. This would let the region serve another four-year term before power might shift back to the North.

Yusuf highlighted Makinde’s performance as governor and his popularity among young people and professionals. He believes these factors give him an edge over other candidates.

"Go across the country and ask questions. You will notice that Nigerians want a new beginning. They want a leader with new and practical ideas, not theories and finger-pointing; a leader with answers and solutions, and Governor Makinde fits into the frame," Yusuf said.

He praised the Oyo governor for having a practical plan to tackle the country’s security, economic and infrastructure problems.

"He is the only candidate with the blueprint to secure the nation, revamp the economy, create new jobs and revitalise our comatose infrastructure. This is a fact that you can verify," he added.

The APM spokesperson also rejected the idea that their support for Makinde is only about regional rotation.

"Also, don’t overlook the fact that Makinde is from the South. This is in line with the sentiment that the South should replace President Tinubu to complete the remaining four-year term before power goes back to the North," he said.

When asked if the hesitation of the Atiku and Obi camps to support a single candidate is linked to regional issues or their personal ambitions, Yusuf said he could not speak for them.

But he encouraged all opposition leaders to put aside their personal interests to focus on producing a candidate who can seriously challenge the APC in 2027.

"I cannot speak for them. What is important now is for all stakeholders to set aside their personal interests and support Governor Makinde, who we insist is best positioned to defeat President Tinubu at the election," he said.

The search for a united opposition candidate has become a key issue ahead of the 2027 presidential race. Many opposition figures and political groups are calling for a united front against the APC.