Makinde, Mohammed Reaffirm Commitment to APM's Growth, Woo Defectors Ahead of 2027 Polls

In a bid to strengthen the Allied People's Movement (APM) and position it as a viable opposition platform, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed have reiterated their dedication to the party's growth. The two governors, who are the only serving governors elected on the APM platform, held a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Bauchi, where they discussed issues surrounding the party, national security, governance, and the future of democracy in Nigeria. Makinde, who is also the presidential candidate of the APM, stated that the visit was strategic and necessary, given the fact that they are the only two serving governors elected on the platform. He described Governor Mohammed as a trusted colleague and partner in governance, saying that Bauchi's experience in security matters offered valuable lessons that could be applied in Oyo State. The APM has also announced that it has opened talks with serving senators, members of the House of Representatives, and other political leaders across the country, who are interested in joining the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. This development comes as Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo formally defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APM. Onawo, who was received by the APM National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and other party leaders, is a grassroots politician with a rich record of public service, having served two terms as Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, two terms in the House of Representatives, and now as senator representing Nasarawa South. The party described Onawo's defection as a significant boost to its growth and a testament to its commitment to promoting democratic values and providing Nigerians with a credible alternative. Makinde expressed optimism about the party's chances in the 2027 elections, citing his own experience as an opposition candidate who emerged victorious in Oyo State in 2019. He stressed the need for Nigerians to be given the freedom to make their choices without coercion, adding that the party is determined to provide a credible alternative built on constructive engagement rather than political hostility. Governor Mohammed commended Makinde's achievements in infrastructure development and public service delivery, describing him as a visionary leader whose performance has transformed Oyo State. He emphasized that the APM is steadily emerging as Nigeria's next major opposition party, driven by competent leadership and a commitment to national development. The party, according to him, will distinguish itself through mature leadership and policy-driven campaigns, adding that it has the knowledge and human capital to deliver if given the opportunity.