The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has unveiled Ibrahim Adamu Bala from Bauchi State as the vice-presidential candidate to accompany its 2027 presidential flag-bearer and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

Details uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal confirmed Bala’s nomination as Makinde’s running mate, identifying him as an indigene of Bauchi State.

The development follows a recent strategic meeting between Makinde and Bauchi State Governor as well as APM National Leader, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, at the Government House in Bauchi.

During the consultation, the two governors reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen the APM as a viable opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections. They also pledged to deepen collaboration among states, promote democratic principles and reposition the party as a credible national alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s political, economic and security challenges.

Makinde, who was accompanied by the APM National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, described Mohammed as a trusted ally, explaining that the meeting was significant because they are the only serving governors elected on the platform of the APM.

Speaking after the meeting, the Oyo governor said security was one of the major issues discussed, noting that Bauchi’s approach to tackling insecurity provided useful lessons that could be replicated in Oyo State.

“I wanted to run a few things by him, and it’s no regret that I came here because I’m fully briefed and I’m taking back with me ideas that we may want to also try out in our state,” Makinde said.

Makinde added that their discussions also centred on the future of the APM and Nigeria’s democratic development, stressing that the party aims to offer Nigerians a credible alternative through constructive engagement and issue-based politics.

Commenting on the nation’s political environment, he described it as “toxic” but expressed confidence that the country was approaching a new phase. He maintained that the wishes of the electorate must prevail, insisting Nigerians would freely choose their leaders in the 2027 elections.

On the security situation, Makinde argued that state governors are frequently blamed for insecurity despite lacking adequate constitutional authority to respond effectively. He pledged that an APM-led federal government would reform the country’s security architecture by ensuring that responsibility is matched with the powers required to safeguard lives and property.

In his remarks, Governor Mohammed described Makinde’s visit as part of the long-standing tradition of cooperation among governors aimed at exchanging ideas and improving governance.

He commended Makinde’s administration in Oyo State, particularly its achievements in infrastructure development and public service delivery, describing him as a visionary leader whose policies have transformed the state.

Mohammed also expressed confidence that the APM is gradually positioning itself as Nigeria’s next major opposition party, driven by competent leadership and a commitment to policy-driven governance.