The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has accused the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately excluding Oyo State Governor and its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, from the flag-off of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode federal road project.
The opposition party alleged that the decision is motivated by fears that Makinde’s presence at the event would overshadow President Bola Tinubu and draw attention to the Oyo governor’s record in infrastructure development.
The APM made the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf.
According to the party, the Presidency and the APC were uncomfortable with Makinde’s growing popularity and profile ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The APM claimed that Makinde’s presence at the ceremony would have “eclipsed” the President and highlighted what it described as the shortcomings of the Federal Government’s performance in the South-West.
“The Tinubu Presidency and the APC were scared that Makinde’s presence at the event would have further exposed President Tinubu’s failures, as the APM presidential candidate has done far better than the President in the last three years, including in the execution of road projects,” the statement said.
The party alleged that although Tinubu hails from the South-West, his administration has failed to initiate, execute and complete up to 250 kilometres of roads across the region since assuming office in 2023.
It contrasted this with Makinde’s record in Oyo State, claiming that the governor had executed more than 360 kilometres of roads since taking office.
The APM added that several other road projects completed by the Oyo State government were awaiting commissioning.
The party further alleged that the APC was concerned about Makinde’s ability to mobilise governors, political leaders and other stakeholders across the country around major national issues.
It argued that the governor’s attendance at the road project ceremony would have attracted significant public attention and potentially shifted the focus of the event from the Federal Government to his administration.
Read also:
- PDP denies alliance with APM, accuses Makinde of misleading political realignment claims
- Makinde declares 2027 presidential bid, seals PDP-APM alliance
- Gov. Bala Mohammed defects to APM alongside PDP structure
The APM also suggested that concerns about Makinde’s growing political influence may have contributed to Tinubu’s absence from the ceremony.
The party, however, said the alleged attempt to keep Makinde away from the event would not affect his presidential ambition.
It challenged the Tinubu administration and the APC to prepare to face Makinde at the 2027 presidential election.
“APC and the Tinubu Presidency must note that they cannot run from Governor Makinde forever.
“They must surely meet him at the poll in January 2027 where the will of millions of Nigerians in preference for Governor Makinde as the replacement for President Tinubu cannot be suppressed,” the party said.
The APM’s allegations are coming amid increasing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties positioning their candidates as alternatives to the incumbent administration.
