Makinde Confirms Ongoing Talks on 2027 Opposition Alliance

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that discussions are ongoing among opposition leaders over the possibility of forming an alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde disclosed this during an interview with ARISE News on Friday, November 13, saying he was actively involved in consultations with other opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

Asked whether he was open to working with other opposition leaders, Makinde said the discussions were already underway.

“Not only that I’m open, we’re actively discussing this,” he said.

The governor, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), said the decision on a possible alliance would depend on careful consideration of available evidence rather than personal preferences or political emotions.

He explained that the discussions would consider the manifestos of the candidates, their records in public office and the sentiments of Nigerians before determining the most suitable arrangement.

Makinde also indicated that he was willing to work with any opposition figure if the negotiations produced an arrangement considered beneficial to the country.

When asked specifically whether he would support Atiku if discussions showed that the former vice-president was the most suitable candidate around whom the opposition could unite, Makinde responded in the affirmative.

“Yes. I’m willing to work with any Nigerian,” he said.

He compared the proposed political cooperation to business relationships, explaining that competitors could become collaborators depending on their shared interests and objectives.

The governor said the negotiations should not be driven by personal ambitions but by what he described as the broader interest of Nigeria.

The latest disclosure follows consultations involving six opposition parties: the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The consultations, facilitated by opposition stakeholders under the G100 initiative, have involved presidential candidates including Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Adewole Adebayo and Donald Duke.

Although the discussions have progressed, no final agreement on a joint presidential candidate or the structure of a possible alliance has been announced.

Makinde maintained that the priority was to establish common ground and develop an arrangement capable of advancing the country’s interests ahead of the 2027 elections.