The All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo State governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has challenged the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to demonstrate its nationwide political structure and strength before presenting Governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Alli, through his Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), also criticised the APM’s call for President Bola Tinubu to step aside for Makinde.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the organisation said a presidential bid required nationwide organisation and electoral structures across the country.
It asked the APM to disclose the extent of its structures across the federation and demonstrate its capacity to contest effectively across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The statement also questioned Makinde’s record on local government administration in Oyo State, alleging that his administration had weakened the 33 local governments in the state.
‘APM’s Makinde is averse to the third tier of government in Nigeria, and this is evident in his seven-year anti-local government administration in Oyo State,’ the statement said.
The SSACO said the APM should demonstrate its seriousness by having candidates across various elective positions in at least one-third of the country.
It also challenged Makinde to demonstrate political strength in Oyo State before seeking to lead a nationwide presidential campaign.
‘A man seeking to conquer Nigeria must first demonstrate compelling political strength on his own turf. Charity, as the saying goes, begins at home,’ the statement said.
The organisation said the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be determined by voters, while highlighting what it described as benefits of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the student loan scheme, establishment of federal universities, and road construction and reconstruction projects.