Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has urged Nigerians not to underestimate the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed made the call on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential campaign office, where he described Makinde as one of the finest human resources Nigeria has produced at both the sub-national and national levels.
The Bauchi governor said the APM was entering the 2027 presidential race with a mission to “reset Nigeria”, insisting that Makinde’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate reflected its determination to provide competent leadership.
Mohammed warned political opponents against dismissing Makinde’s chances, saying the Oyo governor could surprise his rivals during the election.
“Whoever disregards us is at his own peril. We are here to reset Nigeria and we are bringing in one of the best human capitals that Nigeria has ever produced at the sub-national and national level, that is Makinde,” he said.
He specifically appealed to other presidential candidates and Nigerians not to underrate Makinde, saying they would witness what he described as the candidate’s political strength during the election.
The Bauchi governor praised Makinde’s record as governor of Oyo State, describing him as a “mobilizer” and “manager of resources”. He also highlighted Makinde’s engineering background and his administration’s development projects.
According to Mohammed, Makinde had achieved significant development in Oyo State despite limited resources, particularly in areas he said had previously suffered neglect and abandonment.
“He used little resources and did so much. Where there was abject neglect and abandonment in Oyo State, he brought urban renewal to a level that nobody has ever done it,” Mohammed said.
The endorsement comes amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections and reported internal challenges within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State.
Several prominent APC members have reportedly resigned from the party in recent weeks, including former Bauchi Deputy Governor Sagir Aminu Saleh, former APC governorship aspirant Captain Muhammad Bala Jibrin and Sunusi Aliyu Kunde, a close associate of former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
Other party members have also reportedly expressed concerns over internal processes, including allegations of injustice, lack of internal democracy and irregularities surrounding party primaries. The allegations are political claims and have not been independently established.
The APC has meanwhile constituted a reconciliation committee headed by former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara to address grievances among members and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest political developments underscore the intensifying realignment among politicians and political parties as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
With Makinde now positioned as the APM’s presidential candidate, Mohammed’s comments signal the party’s intention to present him as a serious contender in the presidential contest.
