Makinde Keeps Mum On Running Mate

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declined to reveal his preferred running mate for the 2027 presidential election, saying consultations within the party are still ongoing.

Naija News reports that Makinde spoke on Friday after a closed-door meeting with his Bauchi State counterpart and APM leader, Bala Mohammed, at the Government House, Bauchi, while addressing journalists.

Asked to disclose the identity of the person being considered for the vice-presidential slot, the Oyo governor said the party had not concluded its consultations.

He added that Nigerians would know the final choice when the names of the party’s candidates were officially submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Makinde said, “Let us wait until the names are uploaded to the INEC portal. It is part of the consultation.

“We still have enough time, and the consultations will continue.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed said Makinde’s visit was part of efforts by governors to exchange ideas and learn from one another.

The Bauchi governor described such engagements as an important aspect of peer review among leaders at the sub-national level.

“Governance is about continuous collaboration and interaction with colleagues at the sub-national and national levels to address challenges and learn from one another,” Mohammed said.

He explained that regular consultations among governors could strengthen governance by allowing states to adopt policies and practices that had produced results elsewhere.

Mohammed also expressed confidence in the political prospects of the APM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the party as an emerging opposition platform capable of playing a significant role in the country’s political landscape.

“The APM is growing into the next major opposition party that is repositioning itself to provide constructive opposition in the country,” he added.