Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has condemned the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for asking President Bola Tinubu to step aside for Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The campaign organisation for Mr Alli, in a statement, urged the APM to focus on building the national structure and political strength required to mount a serious presidential challenge rather than asking Mr Tinubu to step aside for Mr Makinde, who is already gasping for breath politically in the state.

The group said, “Declaring an ambition is one thing; building the political structure required to prosecute a nationwide presidential election is another entirely.

“The APM should tell Nigerians how extensive its electoral structures are across the federation and demonstrate its capacity to compete effectively across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“It must have candidates across various elective positions in at least one third of the country to show seriousness.

“But can we blame the APM spokesperson for issuing a press statement at the end of the month in a subtle reminder to his hirers that his salary is due for payment?

“More importantly, even Governor Seyi Makinde, whom the APM now parades as its presidential candidate, has serious political battles to fight in his home state of Oyo. In fact, he is gasping for breath politically in the state.

“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 organisation advised.

Describing the demand by the APM as laughable and the height of political hallucination, the campaign organisation advised the opposition party to stop speaking as though Nigeria’s presidency could be secured through political theatrics rather than through nationwide organisation and electoral support.

Noting that the 2027 presidential election would be determined by Nigerians, and not by who issued the loudest press statement, the campaign organisation stated that Mr Tinubu is seeking another mandate under the All Progressives Congress, which is already established nationwide and has a solid track record that is internationally acknowledged.

“For Governor Makinde, however, that national ambition does not erase the political contest unfolding back home in Oyo State. The APM should, therefore, prepare for the verdict of the electorate rather than behave as though political power can be transferred by proclamation.

“The presidency of Nigeria is neither inherited nor surrendered on demand. It is contested for and determined by the Nigerian people at the ballot box.”