ABUJA/IBADAN — Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate Seyi Makinde on Friday disclosed that opposition leaders are actively holding discussions on forming a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Makinde confirmed that talks involving key figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, are ongoing. He emphasised that he is not merely open to collaboration but is participating in the deliberations.
“We’re still discussing,” Makinde said. When asked if he was open to an alliance with other leading opposition figures, he replied: “Not only that I’m open, we’re actively discussing this.”
The governor, who is running on the APM platform, stressed that any decision on a joint arrangement would be guided by data rather than emotions or personal preferences. Factors to be considered include candidates’ manifestos, historical performance and public sentiment.
“To arrive at a decision, you need data. 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,” he stated.
Makinde indicated willingness to work with either Atiku or Obi if data showed that one of them offered the strongest path to defeating the APC. “I’m willing to work with any Nigerian,” he added when pressed on the possibility of supporting Atiku.
2023 Agreement and Shift in Stance
During the same interview, Makinde linked his current opposition efforts to what he described as a broken agreement from 2023. He revealed that he supported Tinubu in the last presidential election based on a signed commitment to form a government of national unity after victory.
According to Makinde, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the document on behalf of Tinubu, while he signed on behalf of the G5 governors. The document was later presented to Tinubu, who allegedly approved it.
“I still have the agreement with us. I’ve had a certain experience with him… where agreement was signed. And he didn’t keep to it,” Makinde said. He questioned whether the current administration reflects national unity, asking what Nigeria had gained from the arrangement.
Makinde maintained that his decision to challenge Tinubu is not personal but driven by the national interest and the need for a genuine government of national unity. He noted that he has not experienced similar issues of betrayal with Atiku or Obi.
He also distinguished his differences with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike from those with Tinubu, saying he remains open to working with Wike while ruling out any alliance with the President.
Broader Context
The revelations come amid growing discussions among opposition parties about presenting a united front against Tinubu’s re-election bid. Reports indicate that parties including the APM, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and others have been exploring options for single candidacy or coordinated efforts.
Makinde’s comments highlight the fluid state of opposition politics as the 2027 race intensifies, with multiple figures positioning themselves while exploring potential mergers or endorsements. No final agreement on a single candidate or platform has been announced.
The governor’s disclosures are expected to fuel further speculation and negotiations among opposition leaders in the coming weeks.
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