Alli Reacts to Bala Mohammed’s Praise of Tinubu

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has questioned the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, following recent remarks by Bauchi State Governor and national leader of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Bala Mohammed, praising aspects of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Mohammed, who spoke in Bauchi during a visit by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said Tinubu had “done so well in so many aspects,” particularly in health and finance.

He also commended the federal government’s security interventions in Bauchi, including the deployment of security personnel and the establishment of military battalions in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa.

Reacting in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the campaign organisation said Mohammed’s comments raised questions about the political coalition backing Makinde’s presidential ambition.

The organisation recalled that Mohammed had previously endorsed Makinde and described him as the leader Nigeria needed.

It said Mohammed’s latest remarks were significant given his earlier support for Makinde and his position within the APM.

“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.

It further argued that Makinde’s presidential ambition could be part of a broader political negotiation ahead of the 2027 elections.

“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,” it said.

The organisation also urged Makinde to focus on his record in Oyo State, particularly infrastructure, education, healthcare, the economy, workers’ welfare and the state’s finances.

It said while Makinde had the constitutional right to seek the presidency, his ambition should be measured against his ability to build broad political support and structures.

However, the APM Governorship Campaign Council in Oyo State rejected the interpretation of Mohammed’s remarks by the Alli organisation.

The council’s Co-Director of Media and Publicity, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said Mohammed was merely acknowledging federal government interventions in Bauchi and that the comments did not amount to an endorsement of Tinubu or a change in political allegiance.

The competing interpretations come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election intensify.