The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has dismissed the call by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside for Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing the demand as premature.
The organisation said the APM must first demonstrate that it has the nationwide political structure and electoral strength required to mount a credible presidential campaign before laying claim to the presidency.
In a statement, the campaign organisation said presidential ambition alone was insufficient to secure the support of Nigerians, stressing that nationwide organisation and electoral structures would be critical to the 2027 contest.
“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,” the organisation said.
The group also questioned the political strength of Governor Makinde outside Oyo State, arguing that his emergence as the APM’s presidential candidate would not erase the political challenges confronting him in his home state.
“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,” it said.
The organisation said the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be determined by voters rather than political statements or proclamations.
It said President Tinubu would be seeking another mandate on the platform of a party with an established nationwide organisation, while noting that Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition would have to be tested against the electorate.
“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,” the statement added.
