Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared his willingness to work with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi as opposition leaders explore possible alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde disclosed this during an interview with ARISE News anchor Ojy Okpe, aired on Friday.
The governor confirmed that discussions among opposition figures were ongoing, stressing that he was actively involved in efforts to determine the most suitable political arrangement ahead of the presidential election.
“We’re still discussing,” Makinde said.
Asked whether he was open to an alliance with other leading opposition figures, he responded: “Not only that I’m open, we’re actively discussing this.”
Makinde Says Opposition Alliance Must Be Based on Data
Makinde declined to endorse either Atiku or Obi as his preferred candidate, arguing that any decision on an opposition alliance should be guided by evidence rather than emotions or personal preferences.
According to him, candidates’ manifestos, previous performances and public sentiment would be considered before determining the most suitable political arrangement.
“To arrive at a decision, you need data,” he said.
He 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.”
We May Be Rivals or Collaborators, Says Governor
Drawing from his experience in the oil and gas industry, Makinde explained that competing interests did not necessarily prevent individuals or organisations from working together.
He noted that companies operating in the same industry could compete, collaborate or enter commercial relationships depending on the circumstances.
Applying the analogy to the 2027 presidential election, he said opposition politicians could assume different roles depending on the outcome of ongoing consultations.
“Depending on what we see between now and the election time, we may be rivals, we may be collaborators, we may be — one may be the client of the other,” he said.
When asked whether he was prepared to work with other political figures in pursuit of his campaign to reset Nigeria, Makinde answered in the affirmative.
“To reset Nigeria, yes,” he said.
Pressed on whether he would work with Atiku if available data showed that the former vice president was the strongest candidate around whom the opposition should unite, Makinde replied: “Yes.”
“I’m willing to work with any Nigerian,” he added.
Makinde Cites 1999 Presidential Election
The Oyo governor also referenced the 1999 presidential election, when Olu Falae secured considerable support in the South-West but failed to translate his regional popularity into victory at the national level.
He described this as one of the challenges opposition politicians must consider when negotiating an alliance ahead of the next general election.
“Our biggest challenge is, first, to agree on what is the best course of action, and then seek an alliance,” Makinde said.
He further cited South Africa’s experience with political cooperation, arguing that competing political forces could negotiate an arrangement when circumstances demanded it.
Makinde maintained that negotiations should not be driven by individual ambitions or personal interests.
“That negotiation will not be anything personal,” he said. “That negotiation will be the deal for Nigeria, by Nigeria.”
The latest comments come amid ongoing consultations among opposition leaders seeking a common political platform or electoral arrangement to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
However, no final agreement on a common candidate or the structure of a possible opposition alliance has been announced.
