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Fresh intrigue has emerged within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general election following the endorsement of Bauchi-born politician and development economist, Dr Ibrahim Waziri, by a coalition of party stakeholders as their preferred presidential candidate.
The development is expected to reshape conversations within the party regarding its presidential ticket, particularly amid growing speculation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may seek the nation’s highest office on the platform of the APM.
At a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders and supporters from more than 30 states, Waziri secured the backing of participants who described him as the candidate best positioned to lead the party into the 2027 presidential election.
The stakeholders further claimed that the endorsement enjoys the support of the party’s caucus across the 19 Northern states, a development that could significantly strengthen Waziri’s standing within the party ahead of the nomination process.
The endorsement introduces a new dynamic to the contest for the APM ticket, with Waziri’s supporters insisting that the Bauchi politician possesses wider national appeal and a stronger political network than other aspirants being linked to the race.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of Waziri’s supporters, Isa Mohammed, said the former presidential aspirant enjoys broad acceptance among influential political actors across the country.
“Makinde’s support is restricted to Oyo and Osun states only, where he was pronounced as a presidential candidate,” Mohammed said.
“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 also expressed confidence that Waziri would ultimately emerge as the party’s officially recognised presidential candidate.
“He is certain that his name will be officially recognised as the authentic APM presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election by the INEC,” he added.
Waziri is regarded as a familiar figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, having participated actively in the politics of the Third Republic. He was among those who took part in the historic 1993 presidential primaries of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Jos, which produced the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as the party’s presidential candidate.
Over the years, he has remained involved in partisan politics, contesting for various elective positions, including governor and senator, while building a reputation as a grassroots politician with extensive political experience.
Beyond politics, Waziri is known for his contributions to Nigeria’s technology and business sectors. He is widely recognised as one of the early pioneers of indigenous computer and telecommunications enterprises in the country.
Academically, he studied Political Economy, Accounting, Software and Data Processing in the United States and holds a doctorate in Political Economy.
His public profile received a further boost recently when he was installed as Sarkin Sullubawan Bauchi by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu.
In justifying their endorsement, the stakeholders pointed to Waziri’s experience in governance, economic management and public affairs, arguing that Nigeria requires leadership capable of addressing the country’s mounting security and socio-economic challenges.
According to the group, Waziri’s vision for the country centres on four key pillars: national security, poverty alleviation, national unity and democratic accountability.
They maintained that these priorities align with the pressing concerns of many Nigerians and would provide a framework for addressing the country’s development challenges if implemented.
The endorsement is expected to deepen political consultations and alignments within the APM as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the formal commencement of party primaries.
Efforts to obtain reactions from individuals and groups associated with Governor Makinde’s reported presidential ambition were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Although political parties are yet to commence the official process for selecting their presidential candidates, observers believe the endorsement underscores the early manoeuvring already underway ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested 2027 presidential election.
For the APM, the emergence of Waziri as the preferred choice of a significant bloc of stakeholders signals the possibility of an intense internal contest as the race for the party’s presidential ticket gradually gathers momentum.
