Makinde picks vice presidential candidate
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has chosen Ibrahim Adamu Bala as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM).
This is according to information available on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal.
The nomination details on the INEC portal identify Bala, 51, as an indigene of Bauchi State.
His selection gives the APM a North-South presidential ticket as the party prepares for the 2027 general election and seeks support from different parts of the country.
Reports indicated that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed played a part in Bala’s emergence by putting forward his name during consultations held to strengthen the party’s chances, especially in the North-East region.
Although Bala’s name has appeared on the INEC nomination portal as the APM vice-presidential candidate, neither Governor Makinde nor the party has released an official statement announcing the choice.
Makinde, who is serving his second and final term as governor of Oyo State, declared his intention to contest the presidency on May 14 during a joint rally organised by his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
His declaration came shortly after both groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the PDP South-West Zonal Secretariat in Ibadan, marking the beginning of their political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the rally, Makinde said the alliance would present candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, governorships, National Assembly seats and state Houses of Assembly.
He also appealed to opposition parties to work together as preparations for the next general election continue.
On May 30, the Oyo governor officially accepted the APM presidential ticket in Ibadan after receiving the party’s Certificate of Return and flag from National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle.
At the event, Makinde said his administration would focus on addressing insecurity, unemployment, hunger and the rising cost of living if elected president.
He also said he would introduce reforms that would allow states to play a greater role in tackling security challenges across the country.
