Ahead of this week’s expected meeting of the G-100, a political pressure group pushing for opposition parties to field a single presidential candidate against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the camp of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called on the other candidates to support the emergence of APM candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as opposition consensus Presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
This is as positions emerging from the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi indicate that they are not prepared to surrender their ambitions in support of single opposition presidential candidate for the election.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, however confirmed that talks on single presidential candidate is still ongoing among opposition parties.
He however asserted that Governor Makinde is best positioned as opposition consensus Presidential candidate given his political credentials and territorial advantage, and urged all stakeholders to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship in the overall interest of the nation.
Yusuf acknowledged the pervading sentiment across the country in favour of a southern candidate to replace President Tinubu so that the region can complete the remaining four years tenure after which the presidency is expected to return to the northern region.
“I can confirm to you that discussions and consultations among opposition parties are going on well and reaching advanced stage on the issue of a single Presidential candidate.
“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.
Moreover, there is also this pervading sentiment that the south should be produce a replacement for Tinubu in 2027 so that the region can complete the remaining four years tenure after which the presidency is expected to return to the northern region. You cannot overlook that.
Yusuf however stated that Governor Makinde is best positioned to emerge as the opposition consensus Presidential candidate due to his growing acceptability by Nigerians as the face of a national new beginning especially among the younger generation and other active age brackets who form the greater bulk of the voting population.
“Without prejudice to the outcome of the consultations, Governor Makinde comes clearer as the best opposition consensus Presidential candidate and this is due to his sound record of performance as state governor coupled with his strong connection and popularity among the younger generation, the professionals and indeed the masses all of who form the greater population of voters across Nigeria.
“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 figure-pointing; a leader with answers and solutions and Governor Makinde fits into the frame. He is the only candidate with the blueprint to secure the nation, revamp the economy, create new jobs and revitalize our comatose infrastructure. This is a fact that you can verify.
“Also, don’t overlook the fact that Makinde is from the South, that is having regard to the sentiment that the South should be allowed to replace President Tinubu to complete the remaining four years tenure after which power will go to the north.
Asked if that is why the Obi and Atiku camp are not agreeable to a single opposition candidate, Yusuf said he cannot speak for them but added that “what is important now is for all stakeholders to set aside their personal interests” and support Governor Makinde who he insisted is best positioned to defeat President Tinubu at the election.
