Allied People’s Movement (APM) has said its ongoing engagement with opposition parties and political groups across the country is gathering momentum.

He expressed confidence that the growing alliance would strengthen the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The party also commended the Ekiti State chapter of the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political stakeholders for reaffirming their support for Makinde, describing the development as further evidence of increasing cross-party backing for its presidential candidate.

APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, stated this in Abuja yesterday while reacting to the decision of members of the PDP in Ekiti State to publicly reaffirm their support for Makinde and declare their intention to collaborate with the APM in the 2027 presidential election, while retaining their identity within the PDP.

According to Yusuf, the endorsement by the Ekiti PDP chapter reflects what he described as a growing national consensus around Makinde’s leadership credentials and governance record.

He maintained that the opposition party was intensifying efforts to build a broad-based coalition capable of presenting a formidable challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.

He argued that Makinde’s performance in Oyo State had positioned him as a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking a change in leadership.

But the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has dismissed the claims about a possible alliance between the PDP and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), urging party members to remain loyal to the opposition party.

Speaking at the weekend amid growing speculation over possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, the PDP Board of Trustees member said the party’s leadership had resolved that members should stay united and work towards rebuilding the opposition party rather than seeking alternative platforms.

The elder statesman disclosed that confusion had emerged among some party members over reports linking sections of the PDP to the APM, but said discussions among party leaders ended with a unanimous decision to remain within the PDP fold.

He argued that politicians who abandon their political parties in search of personal advantage often end up losing relevance, citing former PDP members who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

George maintained that political challenges confronting the PDP were temporary and urged members to remain patient, expressing confidence that the party would eventually overcome its internal difficulties.

He likened the party’s current situation to a period of trials and tribulations, saying faithful members would ultimately emerge stronger if they remained committed to the PDP.