By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared that the party is positioning itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying that that Nigerians will ultimately determine the country’s political future through the ballot.
Governor Makinde stated this while briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting that lasted more than two hours with Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, at the Presidential lodge, Bauchi.
Makinde who was accompanied by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, described Governor Bala Mohammed as a trusted colleague and partner in governance, pointing out that the visit was part of ongoing consultations on governance, security and the future of the party.
The Oyo State Governor said he sought to learn from Bauchi’s experience in addressing security challenges, revealing that he received valuable briefings and practical ideas that could be adapted in Oyo State.
He stated that their discussions also centred on strengthening democratic institutions and building the APM into a constructive opposition capable of providing issue based leadership for the country.
“I came here this afternoon to meet with my brother and discuss a wide range of issues.You will recall that the two of us are the only governors on the platform of the APM in the entire country. If you look at the current political configuration, the APC has 31 governors. We are next with two governors, while the Labour Party has one governor, APGA has one governor and the Accord Party has one governor, making up the 36 state governors in Nigeria.
“For me, consulting with my brother is a natural thing to do. Whenever I have challenges, before I turn to anyone else, I will first consult someone who shares the same political platform as I do. That is why I came here this afternoon.
“We discussed the security challenges facing our states and how they are being addressed. I wanted to exchange ideas with him, and I have no regrets about coming because I was thoroughly briefed and have taken away valuable ideas that we may also consider implementing in Oyo State.Of course, we also discussed issues concerning our party and the future of democracy in Nigeria”
Makinde said the APM remained optimistic despite the current political climate, recalling that he emerged victorious as an opposition candidate in Oyo State in 2019 despite the dominance of the ruling party at the federal, state and local government levels.
“We worked very hard and we won the election in Oyo State in 2019 as an opposition party. APC was ruling at the federal level. APC was ruling at the state level in Oyo State. APC, they won at the local government level. The day before election in 2019, PDP had only one House of Assembly member in the entire state. So it’s a familiar territory. We believe that the people of Nigeria ultimately will speak. If they like what is going on, fine. They can go with the current setup or current administration. If they don’t like, all we are saying is that the voice of the people must be heard clearly” Makinde said.
He maintained that the will of Nigerians must never be suppressed, insisting that the electorate would make their choice freely when elections are held.
Makinde described the nation’s political atmosphere as “toxic” but expressed optimism that Nigeria was approaching a new chapter.
Speaking on insecurity, the APM presidential candidate stressed the need to align responsibility with constitutional authority, stressing that state governors are often held accountable for security situations without possessing the necessary powers to respond decisively.
He said an APM-led Federal Government would reform the country’s security architecture to ensure that those entrusted with responsibility are also empowered with the authority required to protect lives and property.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed said the meeting reflected a long standing tradition of collaboration and peer review among political leaders.
Governor Bala Mohammed also disclosed that the meeting enabled them to extensively reviewed the security challenges confronting their states and discussed strategies for improving public safety.
The Governor acknowledged the contributions of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, for providing vibrant leadership and helping to expand the party’s national profile
