The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has accused the Federal Government of launching attacks on its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. The party claims these moves prove that President Bola Tinubu is worried about Makinde’s rising popularity before the 2027 election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the APM insisted that the Tinubu administration lacks a solid record of achievements to present to Nigerians. According to the party, this is why the government has resorted to name-calling and personal attacks instead of meaningful engagement.
APM replies Bwala over dismissal of Makinde
The controversy started when President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, spoke to journalists on Monday. Bwala dismissed both Makinde and the APM as irrelevant to the 2027 electoral contest.
The APM quickly responded through its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf. The party described Bwala’s comments as unfortunate and pathetic.
Party says Tinubu’s handlers lack credibility
The APM argued that the Presidency had stooped to a new low by relying on what it called “internationally discredited” figures. The party specifically referenced Bwala’s controversial interview with Al Jazeera on March 6, 2026.
“Since Daniel Bwala’s March 6, 2026, scandalous interview with Al Jazeera, Nigerians can always see through the antics of President Tinubu’s handlers,” the statement read.
The party warned that Bwala would soon regret his comments about Governor Makinde.
The APM also claimed that Tinubu no longer commands the support of credible Nigerians. The party insisted that only sycophantic and corrupt individuals remain on the President’s payroll.
Makinde’s performance in Oyo State gives him an edge
The APM argued that the 2027 presidential race would be a contest between Makinde and a “failed” President Tinubu. The party claimed that millions of Nigerians are determined to support Makinde for a fresh beginning.
The party also highlighted Makinde’s performance as Governor of Oyo State. According to the APM, Makinde has transformed Oyo into an economically viable state.
Data from the Federation Account Allocation Committee reportedly shows that Oyo State has surpassed the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in economic performance. The APM believes Nigerians want Makinde to replicate this achievement at the national level.
APM says Tinubu should be jittery about 2027 election
The party insisted that President Tinubu has every reason to be worried. It pointed to Makinde’s blueprint to revamp the economy, rebuild infrastructure, and improve security.
The APM also claimed that Makinde enjoys the support of over 50 million young Nigerians. These young people, according to the party, feel trapped by the current administration and see Makinde as the face of a new Nigeria.
“Of course, why won’t the Tinubu Presidency be jittery when Governor Makinde is coming with the full support of over 50 million young Nigerians whose destinies are being caged by the Tinubu administration and who are now rallying with our presidential candidate as the face of the new Nigeria they eagerly seek and for which they are ready to vote in 2027 and defend their votes to the very end?” the statement asked.
The party added that these supporters are ready to vote and defend their votes.
Party remains focused on issues, not insults
The APM stated that it would not trade insults with the Presidency. The party said its attention remains fixed on issues that matter to ordinary Nigerians.
The party dismissed Bwala’s claims that Makinde is inconsequential. It argued that such statements only reveal the anxiety within the corridors of power.
“To suggest that a presidential candidate with such an army of support is ‘inconsequential’ says more about the anxiety within the corridors of power than it does about the candidate,” the statement concluded.
The APM predicted that the Presidency would soon realise who truly matters in the race.
“In fact, before noon on election day, the Presidency will know who actually is inconsequential in this race,” the party added.
Read also: Bwala defends past criticism of Tinubu, clashes with Channels TV anchor
