A fierce war of words has broken out between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) over the 2027 presidential election, with both parties trading punches over the electoral viability of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The political fireworks followed the formal emergence of Governor Makinde as the APM’s presidential standard-bearer, following a strategic alliance forged in Ibadan.

Speaking on the development, APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, expressed absolute confidence that Makinde possesses the nationwide appeal, youthful energy, and administrative competence required to unseat President Bola Tinubu. Yusuf noted that the party has intensified its grassroots mobilization and is witnessing a massive influx of prominent politicians dissatisfied with the current administration.

“The APM presidential candidate has the leadership capacity, commitment, and competence to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, revive the economy, and deliver the dividends of good governance,” Yusuf stated. He argued that widespread public dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity has positioned the APM as the most credible alternative for Nigerians.

However, the APC swiftly dismissed the APM`s optimism, describing the opposition’s calculations as completely detached from political reality.

APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, countered that Makinde poses zero electoral threat to President Tinubu’s re-election bid. Ibrahim argued that a governor who has only won an election in one state out of 36 cannot realistically threaten a president with vast, deeply entrenched national political influence.

“Our presidential candidate cannot lose sleep over Makinde," Ibrahim fired back. "For him to be a threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there has to be a proper understanding of what constitutes a political threat.”

The ruling party spokesman further challenged aspiring opposition governors to be ready to account for their stewardship in their respective states before eyeing the presidency. He maintained that despite early criticisms, President Tinubu’s courageous economic reforms are already yielding positive results that will comfortably secure him a second term in 2027.