2027: Nigeria’s Political Climate Toxic for Opposition — Makinde

The presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has warned that the will of Nigerians must not be suppressed during the 2027 general elections, insisting the opposition would resist any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

Makinde spoke on Friday in Bauchi after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and the national leadership of the APM.

He described the current political environment as hostile to opposition parties but expressed confidence that Nigerians would determine the outcome of the next presidential election.

“The same thing is going to happen this time around. They must not suppress the will of the people. They must not suppress whatever decision they are going to take, and we will ensure that happens,” he said.

According to the governor, the opposition would not tolerate electoral malpractice, stressing that the 2027 election must reflect the genuine choice of the electorate.

Makinde described Nigeria’s political climate as one of the darkest periods in the country’s democratic journey but maintained that a positive change was on the horizon.

“Being in opposition, the political environment is very toxic. It is in the darkest moments. But when the day is about to break, that is the darkest point,” he said.

Drawing from his political experience, Makinde recalled defeating the then-ruling All Progressives Congress during the 2019 Oyo State governorship election despite the party’s dominance at both the federal and state levels.

He argued that democracy ultimately belongs to the people, expressing confidence that Nigerians would again make their voices heard in 2027.

Addressing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, the governor said recent incidents should be viewed within the context of several years of relative peace recorded by his administration.

Makinde also renewed calls for reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states but lack operational control over security agencies.

Earlier, Governor Bala Mohammed said the meeting focused on governance, security and strengthening the APM as a viable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

He praised Makinde’s developmental achievements in Oyo State and described him as a leader committed to issue-based politics, adding that the party was repositioning itself to provide constructive opposition and credible leadership for Nigerians.