Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), has formally announced Ibrahim Adamu Bala as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, thereby completing the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the general polls.
According to details published on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, Bala, aged 51, hails from Bauchi State. His selection provides the APM with a balanced North-South ticket, a strategic move aimed at broadening the party’s national appeal and strengthening its chances of resonating with voters across diverse regions of the country.
Sources familiar with the process said the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, played a significant role in Adamu Bala’s emergence, nominating him during consultations aimed at strengthening the party’s chances, particularly in the North-East.
Bala’s appearance on the INEC portal confirms his nomination as the APM vice-presidential candidate, although neither the party nor Makinde has issued an official statement on the choice.
Makinde, serving his second and final term as governor of Oyo State, declared his presidential ambition on May 14 during a joint rally of his PDP faction and the APM at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The declaration followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PDP faction and the APM at the PDP South-West Zonal Secretariat in Ibadan.
At the rally, the governor announced that the alliance would field candidates for all elective positions, from the presidency to the state Houses of Assembly, while urging opposition parties to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections.
On May 30, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State formally accepted the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) presidential ticket during a ceremony in Ibadan. In his acceptance speech, he vowed to “reset” Nigeria through comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and the escalating cost of living.
During the event, Makinde received the party’s Certificate of Return and flag from APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle. He further pledged to decentralize Nigeria’s security framework, granting states greater authority to tackle local security challenges if elected president.
