The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) has named Bauchi-born politician Ibrahim Adamu Bala as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, for the 2027 presidential election.
Details on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) candidate nomination portal identify Bala, 51, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate, completing the APM’s South-North presidential ticket.
INEC portal confirms nomination
A senior party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Makinde had completed the nomination process with a running mate.
According to the official, the electoral process could not have been concluded without naming a vice-presidential candidate.
“You cannot submit your presidential nomination without a running mate. The nomination has been filed.”
The source also dismissed reports linking the nomination to Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
“There is no connection at all. They only have similar names. The running mate is Ibrahim Adamu Bala, not Bala Mohammed.”
The official added:
“I laughed when I saw the report because I knew people would confuse the two.”
Despite the listing on the INEC portal, neither the APM nor Governor Makinde had issued an official statement confirming Bala’s nomination as of the time of filing this report.
Recent meeting strengthens APM alliance
The nomination comes days after Makinde met with Bauchi State Governor and APM National Leader, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, at the Government House in Bauchi.
The meeting also involved APM National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle.
During the visit, the two governors reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the APM ahead of the 2027 general election. They also pledged to deepen collaboration among states and position the party as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
Makinde described Bala Mohammed as a trusted ally. He noted that they are currently the only serving governors elected on the APM platform.
Makinde outlines APM’s vision
Speaking after the meeting, Makinde said security featured prominently in their discussions.
He said Bauchi’s approach to tackling insecurity offered valuable lessons that could benefit Oyo State.
“I wanted to run a few things by him, and it’s no regret that I came here because I’m fully briefed and I’m taking back with me ideas that we may want to also try out in our state.”
Makinde also said the meeting focused on the future of the APM and Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the party aims to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative through constructive engagement and issue-based politics.
The Oyo governor described Nigeria’s political environment as “toxic.” However, he expressed confidence that the country was moving towards a new political phase where voters would freely decide who governs them.
He also reiterated his commitment to reforming Nigeria’s security architecture if elected president.
Makinde argued that governors often receive blame for insecurity despite lacking sufficient constitutional powers to respond effectively. He promised that an APM-led administration would grant states greater authority to protect lives and property.
Bala Mohammed backs party’s growth
Governor Bala Mohammed described Makinde’s visit as part of the tradition of cooperation among governors aimed at exchanging ideas and improving governance.
He commended Makinde’s administration in Oyo State, particularly its achievements in infrastructure and public service delivery.
Mohammed also expressed confidence that the APM is gradually emerging as a major opposition force.
According to him, the party’s focus on competent leadership and policy-driven governance will strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 general election.
What happens next?
With its presidential ticket now appearing complete on the INEC nomination portal, the APM is expected to intensify preparations for the 2027 election. Meanwhile, party leaders are expected to formally announce Ibrahim Adamu Bala’s nomination in the coming days.
