The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has described Governor Seyi Makinde’s 2027 presidential ambition on the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) platform as “dead on arrival,” following Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s public praise of President Bola Tinubu.
Mohammed, a national leader of the APM, on Monday commended Tinubu’s administration for its performance in security, health, and finance, saying opposition politicians should acknowledge positive developments rather than indiscriminately criticise the Federal Government.
The Bauchi governor spoke when the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, visited him in Bauchi.
Mohammed specifically thanked Tinubu for responding to his request for federal intervention when parts of Bauchi came under threat from banditry.
He also praised the Federal Government for health infrastructure completed in the state and said states were receiving more resources as a result of the administration’s fiscal reforms.
Reacting in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, on Tuesday, SSACO said Mohammed’s comments had exposed what it described as contradictions within the political coalition backing Makinde’s presidential ambition.
“The question Nigerians should now ask is simple: if one of the principal promoters of Makinde’s presidential ambition truthfully admits that President Tinubu is doing well, what exactly is the justification for Makinde asking Nigerians to replace the President?” the organisation asked.
SSACO commended Mohammed for acknowledging the Federal Government’s achievements despite being an opposition governor.
According to the campaign organisation, the development reinforces its argument that Tinubu’s reforms are strengthening the finances of state governments and creating greater capacity for subnational development.
It argued that the situation presents a political dilemma for Makinde, who has been campaigning for the presidency under the APM while one of the party’s leading figures is publicly acknowledging the performance of the incumbent.
“We have always maintained that Makinde’s so-called presidential ambition appears less like a serious pathway to Aso Rock and more like a political bargaining chip designed to enhance his negotiating position in the unfolding 2027 political equation,” SSACO said.
The organisation also questioned the cohesion of the political alliance behind Makinde, noting that Mohammed had previously endorsed the Oyo governor and described him as the leader Nigeria needed.
“How does a candidate seriously expect Nigerians to believe he can defeat an incumbent president when prominent leaders within his own political family are publicly applauding that President’s performance?” it asked.
Makinde declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the APM platform in May 2026 and has since embarked on political activities across the country.
SSACO said the latest development further raised questions about the sustainability of the coalition supporting Makinde’s presidential bid.
It added that political contests were ultimately determined by structures, numbers, alliances and electoral strength rather than campaign offices, billboards or public declarations.
“A presidential candidate whose own political allies are validating the achievements of the incumbent has a serious credibility problem,” the organisation said.
The campaign body advised Makinde to concentrate on accounting for his stewardship as Oyo governor and preparing for the transition of power in the state rather than pursuing what it described as an improbable presidential project.
It listed the state’s debt profile, local economy, infrastructure, education, healthcare and workers’ welfare among issues it said should receive greater attention.
The organisation stressed, however, that Makinde had a constitutional right to aspire to the presidency but cautioned that political ambition should not be confused with electoral viability.
“Governor Makinde is free to aspire to the highest office in the land. That is his constitutional right. But he should not mistake ambition for viability, publicity for popularity or political bargaining for a genuine national movement,” SSACO said.
