By John Umeh
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has firmly denied reports suggesting it has endorsed former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, as a potential running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections. In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the association described the circulating claims as baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.
According to ALGON’s National President, Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata, the organization has not taken any position on the 2027 presidential race and has not endorsed any individual for the role of vice president or any other national office. “ALGON is a non-partisan body committed to the development and strengthening of local governance in Nigeria,” Maifata stated. “We categorically disassociate ourselves from any narrative suggesting we are aligning with or endorsing political candidates.”
The clarification comes after several media reports and social media posts claimed that ALGON had thrown its weight behind Wamakko, a prominent northern political figure and staunch ally of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The reports suggested that the endorsement was part of a broader northern political strategy to secure a strong position on the national ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Maifata, however, emphasized that any statements or endorsements allegedly issued on behalf of ALGON should be treated as false unless officially communicated through its national secretariat. He warned political actors and interest groups against dragging the association into partisan politics or using its name to legitimize speculative political arrangements.
Political analysts view this distancing as a significant development, particularly in the context of the delicate power-sharing dynamics between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions. President Tinubu, who hails from the Southwest, is expected to seek reelection in 2027, although he has yet to formally declare his intention. Speculation about who might be considered for the vice presidential slot—especially from the north—has been rife, with names like Wamakko frequently mentioned in political circles.
ALGON’s disavowal of the rumored endorsement also underscores the growing sensitivity among institutions and stakeholders to being perceived as partisan in the buildup to 2027. Many see this as an attempt by the association to preserve its integrity and neutrality in an increasingly polarized political climate.
In conclusion, ALGON has made it unequivocally clear that it is not in support of any individual’s vice-presidential ambition at this stage. The association reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots development and reiterated that its focus remains on advocating for the welfare of local governments across Nigeria, not on political endorsements.
