Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Allied People's Movement (APM) has accused the Presidency of launching political attacks against Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is becoming increasingly concerned about Makinde's growing political profile ahead of Nigeria's 2027 presidential election. The opposition party made the claims while responding to recent remarks by Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala, describing them as evidence of what it called mounting anxiety within the Presidency over the next general election.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, by the APM's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf. According to the party, recent comments by Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, reflected growing concern within the Federal Government over Makinde's emergence as the APM's presidential candidate. The party argued that rather than highlighting the administration's achievements, the Presidency had resorted to attacking political opponents.
The controversy follows comments made by Bwala during an interview with journalists on Monday, 20 July 2026, in which he reportedly dismissed both Governor Makinde and the Allied People's Movement as insignificant contenders in the race for Nigeria's presidency in 2027. His remarks prompted a swift response from the opposition party, which accused the Presidency of engaging in political mudslinging instead of addressing the country's economic and security challenges.
In its statement, the APM criticised the Tinubu administration for relying on what it described as personal attacks rather than presenting a record of governance to Nigerians. The party claimed that the Federal Government lacked convincing achievements to campaign on and insisted that Governor Makinde's record in Oyo State had made him a credible alternative ahead of the next presidential election.
The party further argued that Makinde's administration had transformed Oyo State through infrastructure development, improved economic performance and governance reforms. It cited fiscal data which it said demonstrated the state's growing economic strength and maintained that the governor's performance had strengthened his credentials for national leadership.
According to the APM, Makinde's political appeal continues to expand, particularly among younger Nigerians. The party claimed that millions of youths who are dissatisfied with the country's current economic situation are rallying behind the Oyo State governor and described him as the face of what it called a "new Nigeria." It further alleged that the Presidency's attempts to dismiss his political relevance reflected growing concern over his increasing popularity.
The opposition party also stated that it had no intention of engaging in an exchange of insults with the Presidency, insisting that its priority remains presenting policy alternatives to Nigerians. It said its campaign would focus on economic recovery, strengthening national security, rebuilding infrastructure, creating employment opportunities and improving governance if elected into office.
The exchange comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with major political parties and emerging opposition groups positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest. While President Bola Tinubu has not formally declared his intention to seek re-election, political allies within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have repeatedly expressed confidence in his chances should he decide to contest.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who is serving his second term as Governor of Oyo State, has increasingly featured in national political discussions as opposition parties explore possible alliances ahead of the next election. Although he has not officially launched a presidential campaign, his name continues to be mentioned among politicians being considered by various opposition platforms.
As political debate intensifies, analysts expect both the ruling party and opposition groups to continue engaging the public on issues relating to governance, economic reforms, security and development in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Political observers have also urged all parties to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could heighten political tensions.
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