Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed openness to building an opposition alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 presidential race.
Makinde noted that discussions among opposition figures remain active, stating that he is directly involved in efforts to determine the most viable political framework ahead of the polls.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News anchor Ojy Okpe on Friday, the governor pushed back against suggestions that he was merely considering a coalition, clarifying that negotiations are already underway.
“We’re still discussing,” Makinde said.
When asked if he was open to an alliance with other leading opposition figures, Makinde said, “Not only that I’m open, we’re actively discussing this.”
However, the governor declined to endorse either Atiku or Obi as his preferred candidate, arguing that the opposition must prioritize objective evidence—such as candidates’ manifestos, track records, and public sentiment—over emotion or personal bias.
“To arrive at a decision, you need data,” he said.
Speaking further, Gov Makinde added, “We just won’t say, ‘Oh, okay,’ take emotional decision and say, ‘Oh, it’s you.’ We have manifestos now, we have certain things in that manifesto.
“We will sit down, we have maybe historical performance. We also have the sentiment of the people. All of those things will come together and arrive at a decision.”
When asked whether he would collaborate with Atiku if objective evidence showed the former vice president was the strongest candidate for the opposition to rally behind, the governor explicitly answered, ‘Yes.’
Backstory…
In the lead-up to the 2027 elections, six opposition parties—the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)—have been engaging in consultations with prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The talks are being facilitated by the G100 opposition coalition, which is advocating for stronger collaboration among parties seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Read Also: 2027- G100 Moves to Expand Opposition Coalition, Opens Door to More Parties
