Barely 48 Hours Oyo Schoolchildren And Teachers Regained Freedom, APM Announces Bala As Seyi Makinde’s Running Mate For 2027 Presidential Election
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has announced Ibrahim Adamu Bala from Bauchi State as the vice presidential running mate to its 2027 presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde
The development was confirmed through details uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, which identified Bala as Makinde’s running mate and indicated that he is from Bauchi State
The announcement comes days after Makinde held a strategic consultation with Bauchi State Governor and APM National Leader, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, during a visit to the Government House in Bauchi. During the meeting, both governors reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the APM as a formidable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They pledged to deepen cooperation among states, promote democratic values and reposition the party as a credible national alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s political, economic and security challenges.
Makinde, who was accompanied by the APM National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, described Governor Mohammed as a trusted colleague, noting that the consultation was necessary because they remain the only serving governors elected on the platform of the APM
According to the Oyo governor, security was one of the major issues discussed during the meeting, adding that Bauchi’s experience in tackling insecurity offered practical lessons that could be adapted in 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 said.
He also disclosed that discussions focused on the future of the APM and Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that the party intends to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative through constructive engagement and issue-based politics.
Speaking on the country’s political climate, Makinde described it as “toxic” but expressed optimism that Nigeria was approaching a new chapter. He maintained that the will of the electorate must be respected, insisting that Nigerians would freely determine their leaders during the 2027 elections.
On security, the APM presidential candidate argued that governors are often held responsible for insecurity despite lacking sufficient constitutional powers to respond effectively. He pledged that an APM-led federal government would reform the country’s security architecture by aligning responsibility with the authority required to protect lives and property.
Governor Mohammed, in his remarks, described Makinde’s visit as part of the longstanding tradition of collaboration among governors aimed at exchanging ideas and improving governance. He praised Makinde’s performance in Oyo State, particularly in infrastructure and public service delivery, describing him as a visionary leader whose administration has transformed the state.
Mohammed also expressed confidence that the APM is steadily emerging as Nigeria’s next major opposition party, driven by competent leadership and a commitment to policy-based governance.
The announcement of Bala as Makinde’s running mate also comes as the APM intensifies efforts to expand its political base ahead of the 2027 polls. The party recently disclosed that it has opened discussions with serving senators, members of the House of Representatives and other political leaders across the country over possible defections.
The move follows the formal defection of Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APM during Senate plenary. The lawmaker was later received at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja by National Chairman Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and other party leaders.
In a statement, the APM said it remains in talks with several elected officials and political stakeholders interested in joining the party, describing the ongoing engagements as part of its strategy to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
