The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to provide effective leadership for Nigeria, alleging he has 'abdicated' the presidency to a cabal of family members, aides, and other unelected individuals. In a statement released on Thursday, signed by National Publicity Secretary Abubakar Yusuf, the party criticized Tinubu’s 'lethargic governance' and called for his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race to support Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the APM’s candidate. The allegations come amid renewed scrutiny of Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria.
The APM accused Tinubu of prioritizing 'holidaying abroad at taxpayers’ expense' while critical state matters are managed by a 'cabal of aides and family members.' The party questioned his visibility in regions affected by insecurity, asking, 'Is it not absurd that President Tinubu has never visited any of the communities being ravaged by terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits?' It alleged that Tinubu has failed to demonstrate the commitment of a Commander-in-Chief, citing his lack of on-the-ground engagement during security crises. The party claimed over 600,000 Nigerians have been killed and many abducted by terrorist groups during his tenure, though this figure is not independently verified by external sources.
Economic policies under Tinubu’s administration also drew sharp criticism. The APM condemned the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies, stringent tax reforms, and 'reckless external borrowing,' which it said exacerbated poverty and unemployment. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that 63% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line, with economic growth projected at 4.1% for 2026. The APM further accused the administration of increasing Nigeria’s debt to N159.28 trillion, alleging some funds were diverted to private interests. It also highlighted the 'Japa' phenomenon, where over 3.7 million Nigerians have migrated abroad, causing a severe brain drain in education and healthcare sectors.
The APM’s statement emphasized the need for 'a leader with full stamina, who is present, accessible, and fully engaged in governance.' It described Makinde as a 'younger, energetic, and experienced leader' capable of implementing a 'Reset Nigeria' agenda to address economic, security, and governance challenges. The party urged Tinubu to 'reconsider his intention to seek another term' and support Makinde in the 2027 election, arguing that 'Nigeria cannot afford another four years under such an insensitive and rudderless administration.'
Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA, justified by the Presidency as annual leave, was framed by the APM as evidence of his global leadership shortcomings. The party argued that his repeated absences from international forums 'underscore his inability to effectively represent Nigeria’s interests.' It also criticized the administration’s handling of insecurity, noting that 'most of the times [Tinubu] is absent from the theatre of governance,' leaving critical decisions to unaccountable figures. The APM’s critique aligns with broader public discontent over governance and economic instability, which have fueled calls for political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APM’s endorsement of Makinde reflects a strategic shift within Nigeria’s political landscape, as opposition parties seek to consolidate support against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Makinde, who has governed Oyo State since 2019, is positioned as a reformist alternative to Tinubu’s administration. The party’s statement concluded with a call for national unity, asserting that 'the lives of about 250 million Nigerians cannot be placed on autopilot.' The coming months will test whether this message resonates with voters amid ongoing economic and security challenges.
The APM’s allegations against Tinubu are part of a broader pattern of criticism from opposition groups, who argue that the president’s leadership has failed to address systemic issues. While the party’s claims about security and economic data remain contested, its emphasis on accountability and engagement reflects growing public demand for transparent governance. As the 2027 election approaches, the political discourse will likely intensify, with the APM’s stance serving as a focal point for debates over Nigeria’s future direction.
The source of this report is BusinessDay Nigeria, which published the original article on [insert date].
The APM’s statement also referenced recent incidents of violence, including an attack that killed three vigilance service officers in Plateau State, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing the nation. The party’s call for urgent action aligns with broader calls for improved security coordination and community engagement. These issues remain central to the national conversation as Nigeria navigates its political and economic trajectory.
In addition to security and economic concerns, the APM highlighted the need for a more inclusive governance model. The party argued that Tinubu’s administration has marginalized key stakeholders, including local leaders and civil society organizations, in decision-making processes. This exclusion, it claimed, has exacerbated public distrust and hindered effective policy implementation. The APM’s emphasis on participatory governance reflects a growing demand for more responsive and accountable leadership.
The party’s critique of Tinubu’s leadership is not isolated. Other opposition groups have similarly criticized the administration’s handling of the economy and security, though they have not yet unified behind a single candidate. The APM’s endorsement of Makinde could signal a potential realignment in the opposition, as parties seek to present a cohesive alternative to the APC. This development may influence the dynamics of the 2027 election, particularly if Makinde gains traction as a viable presidential contender.