2027: Why Bala Adamu Ibrahim Withdraws as Makinde’s Running Mate
Bala Adamu Ibrahim, who was previously selected as the running mate to Seyi Makinde for the 2027 presidential election under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has announced his withdrawal from the race.
Ibrahim made his decision known in a letter addressed to the party's leader, Bala Mohammed, dated August 5, 2026.
In the letter, Ibrahim stated that his decision to withdraw was entirely personal and that it was not influenced, forced or prompted by any individual, political group or organisation.
He also requested that the APM remove his name from the party's list of candidates.
According to Ibrahim, he attached a sworn affidavit to his withdrawal letter in accordance with the provisions of Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2026.
Ibrahim Thanks APM Leadership
In his letter, Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the APM for the opportunity given to him to participate in the party's presidential ticket.
He also wished the party success in the forthcoming general elections.
His withdrawal effectively brought an end to his involvement as Makinde's previously announced running mate, paving the way for the APM to select another candidate for the position.
Ibrahim did not, however, disclose any specific disagreement with the party or provide details of any political dispute behind his decision.
Instead, he maintained that the decision was his own and that nobody had compelled him to withdraw.
Makinde Picks Former DSS Director-General
Following Ibrahim's withdrawal, Seyi Makinde selected Lawal Daura, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), as his new running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Daura served as Director-General of the DSS from 2015 to 2018, during a period when the agency played a significant role in Nigeria's internal security and intelligence operations.
His selection represents a major change in the composition of Makinde's presidential ticket as the APM prepares for the 2027 election.
Daura Unveiled at APM National Convention
Daura was publicly presented as Makinde's running mate during the APM national convention held at Rilwan Adamu Square in Bauchi.
The event also provided the platform for the party to formally endorse Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The presentation of Daura followed Ibrahim's decision to withdraw and gave the party a new running mate as it begins preparations for the forthcoming presidential contest.
The choice of a former intelligence chief also brings a strong security background to the APM ticket, with Daura having previously occupied one of the country's most senior intelligence positions.
APM Moves Ahead With 2027 Plans
With Makinde confirmed as the APM's presidential candidate and Daura now serving as his running mate, the party is moving forward with preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Ibrahim's withdrawal adds another development to the evolving political alignments ahead of the election, as parties continue to assemble their presidential tickets and position themselves for the contest.
Although Ibrahim did not state that political pressure or disagreement influenced his decision, his withdrawal meant that the party had to replace him on the ticket.
For now, Makinde and Daura form the APM's presidential ticket, while Ibrahim has formally asked the party to remove his name from its list of candidates.
The development marks a significant change to the party's original arrangement and comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum.