2027: First Show National Strength Before Talking Presidency, Alli Campaign Mocks APM

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has described as laughable the call by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) asking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside for its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde.

The organisation said the party should first demonstrate that it possesses the national structure and political strength required to mount a serious presidential challenge.

The campaign organisation said it was the height of political hallucination for the APM to speak as though the presidency could be secured through press statements and political theatrics rather than through nationwide organisation and electoral support.

“Declaring an ambition is one thing; building the political structure required to prosecute a nationwide presidential election is another entirely.

“The APM should tell Nigerians how extensive its electoral structures are across the federation and demonstrate its capacity to compete effectively across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“It must have candidates across various elective positions in at least one third of the country to show seriousness.

“But can we blame the APM spokesperson for issuing a press statement at the end of the month in a subtle reminder to his hirers that his salary is due for payment?

“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. In fact, he is gasping for breath politically in the state.

“A man seeking to conquer Nigeria must first demonstrate compelling political strength on his own turf. Charity, as the saying goes, begins at home,” the statement said.

The organisation added that the 2027 presidential election will not be decided by who issues the loudest press statement, but by Nigerians.

It said President Tinubu is seeking another mandate on the platform of a party with an established nationwide organisation and on a track record that is solid and acknowledged internationally.

“For Governor Makinde, however, that national ambition does not erase the political contest unfolding back home in Oyo State.

“The APM should therefore prepare for the verdict of the electorate rather than behave as though political power can be transferred by proclamation.

“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,” it added.