Bauchi gov’s Tinubu praise dents Makinde’s presidential bid – Alli campaign

The Bauchi Governor's praise of President Bola Tinubu has dealt a blow to Governor Seyi Makinde's presidential bid through the Allied People's Movement (APM). The APM campaign team has declared Makinde's presidential campaign "dead on arrival" following Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed's public acknowledgment of Tinubu's economic reforms and achievements.

Mohammed's statement, made upon receiving Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele and Health Minister Ali Pate to inaugurate a radiodiagnostic centre, highlighted the positive impacts of Tinubu's administration in security, health, and finance. The Bauchi governor's praise has exposed the "emptiness" of Makinde's presidential project, according to the APM campaign team.

Campaign spokesperson Bisi Oladele argued that Mohammed's endorsement nullified Makinde's presidential push, questioning the cohesion, conviction, and sustainability of the coalition supporting Makinde. The statement emphasized the glaring contradiction in Makinde's position, as his critics now wonder what justification he has for asking Nigerians to replace the incumbent president.

The APM team highlighted the success of Tinubu's reforms in strengthening state fiscal positions and enabling local development projects, further showing that Makinde is not serious about a presidential ambition. They maintained that Makinde's bid was failing as he couldn't rally a united APM front behind it.

The statement urged Makinde to focus on his stewardship in Oyo State and preparing for the 2027 transition of power, rather than using a "presidential project" to distract the public from his administration's issues. The Alli Campaign Organisation emphasized that Makinde's ambition was failing due to its lack of credibility and the support his political allies have given to the incumbent president.