By Oscar Okhifo
Fresh uncertainty has emerged within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general election after a coalition of party stakeholders endorsed Bauchi-born politician and development economist, Dr Ibrahim Waziri, as their preferred presidential candidate.
The endorsement comes amid growing speculation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is considering a presidential bid on the party’s platform, setting the stage for a potential battle for the APM ticket.
The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders and supporters from more than 30 states, where participants unanimously threw their weight behind Waziri as the candidate best suited to fly the party’s flag in 2027.
The group further claimed that the endorsement has the support of the APM caucus across the 19 Northern states, a development they believe significantly boosts Waziri’s chances of securing the party’s nomination.
The move has injected fresh momentum into the contest for the party’s presidential ticket, with Waziri’s supporters maintaining that he enjoys wider national acceptance and stronger political networks than other aspirants being linked to the race.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of Waziri’s supporters, Isa Mohammed, said the Bauchi politician enjoys widespread support across the country.
According to him, “Makinde’s support is restricted to Oyo and Osun states only where he was pronounced as presidential candidate. We are confident that Dr Ibrahim is receiving the support of politicians that matter in Nigeria who are all positioned to take over power in 2027.”
Mohammed further expressed optimism that Waziri would eventually emerge as the party’s officially recognised presidential candidate.
“He is certain that his name will officially be recognised as the authentic APM presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” he added.
Dr Waziri is a veteran politician from Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State who played active roles during the Third Republic.
He participated in the historic 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries in Jos, which produced the late Chief MKO Abiola as the party’s flag bearer.
Supporters describe him as a grassroots politician with decades of political experience, having also contested for offices including governor and senator at different stages of Nigeria’s democratic history.
Beyond politics, Waziri is recognised as one of the pioneers of indigenous computer and telecommunications businesses in Nigeria.
He studied Political Economy, Accounting, Software and Data Processing in the United States and holds a doctorate degree in Political Economy.
His public profile was further elevated recently following his installation as Sarkin Sullubawan Bauchi by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu.
The stakeholders said their decision to back Waziri was informed by what they described as his wealth of experience in governance, economic planning and national development, insisting that Nigeria needs visionary leadership to tackle its numerous challenges.
They argued that Waziri’s agenda, which focuses on strengthening national security, reducing poverty, promoting national unity and deepening democratic accountability, offers practical solutions to the country’s socio-economic and political problems.
The endorsement is expected to reshape the internal dynamics of the APM as consultations and political alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election gather pace.
Efforts to obtain reactions from camps linked to Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported ambition and other party stakeholders were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
Although political parties are yet to commence their formal presidential nomination processes, analysts believe the endorsement signals the beginning of intense lobbying and strategic positioning that could define the APM’s preparations for the 2027 general election.