Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed his willingness to work with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and other opposition figures as political negotiations intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Makinde made the disclosure during an interview with ARISE News anchor Ojy Okpe, aired on Friday, November 13, confirming that consultations were already underway among politicians seeking an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The governor explained that he had personally engaged both Atiku and Obi and remained open to different forms of political cooperation, including an arrangement in which opposition figures could support a common candidate. However, he made clear that no final agreement had been reached and that the outcome would depend on further negotiations and an assessment of the political situation.
Makinde said the ongoing discussions should not be mistaken for casual expressions of interest, stressing that opposition leaders were actively considering ways to work together. Asked whether he was prepared to collaborate with Atiku or Obi, the governor confirmed that he had held discussions with both men and that negotiations would continue despite the limited time remaining before the election. He explained that political relationships could change depending on circumstances, with individuals who initially appeared to be competitors eventually finding reasons to cooperate. For Makinde, the immediate challenge is determining whether opposition politicians can agree on a common approach while retaining their different political identities, ambitions and priorities. His remarks indicate a willingness to negotiate, but they do not amount to a formal coalition agreement or an endorsement of either Atiku or Obi. Arise News+1
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is among the opposition politicians Makinde says he has engaged in discussions.
One of the strongest points made by the governor was that personal ambitions should not determine the outcome of any political agreement. Rather than immediately declaring support for a particular opposition figure, Makinde argued that the decision should be informed by evidence, including the candidates’ manifestos, previous performance and the views of Nigerians. He said that those involved in the negotiations would need to examine the available information before deciding whether to compete independently or cooperate. The governor also suggested that no political arrangement should be treated as permanent before negotiations are concluded. His position leaves several possibilities open, including a joint electoral strategy, cooperation between parties or continued competition among opposition candidates if an agreement cannot be reached.
Makinde used an example from his professional background in the oil and gas industry to explain why political competitors might eventually become partners. He noted that companies operating in the same sector sometimes compete for opportunities but may also collaborate when a project requires shared resources or expertise. Applying that reasoning to politics, he said opposition figures could find themselves contesting against one another or working together, depending on developments before the election. The analogy illustrated his belief that political negotiations should focus on practical arrangements rather than personal relationships alone. Nevertheless, the governor acknowledged that reaching an agreement would require compromise and clarity about the roles different leaders might play.
Peter Obi is another major opposition figure Makinde has identified as a possible political collaborator ahead of 2027.
The governor also spoke about his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, explaining why cooperation with the president was different from his discussions with other politicians. Makinde acknowledged that he had supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election but said his experience following that decision had affected their political relationship. He alleged that an earlier agreement between them was not honoured, a claim that remains his own account of events. According to Makinde, he had not experienced similar difficulties in his engagements with Atiku or Obi. Although he said he was prepared to work with Nigerians across political divides, including members of the APC, his remarks made clear that he was not currently considering an electoral partnership with Tinubu. TheCable+1
The discussions come at a significant period for Nigeria’s opposition parties, which are seeking to define their strategies before the 2027 presidential election. Makinde is pursuing the presidency on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), while Atiku is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Obi with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Their separate political ambitions present a challenge for those seeking closer cooperation among opposition groups. Each politician has an established political following, but an alliance would require agreement on leadership, policy priorities, campaign coordination and the responsibilities of participating parties. Makinde’s comments suggest that these questions remain unresolved, even as discussions continue. TheCable+1
Opposition leaders are weighing the lessons of previous Nigerian elections as they consider possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Makinde also referred to Nigeria’s political history while discussing the difficulties of building a national electoral coalition. He cited the 1999 presidential election, when Olu Falae secured substantial support in the South-West but lost nationally to Olusegun Obasanjo. The governor used that experience to illustrate the distinction between strong regional support and the broader coalition of voters required to compete in a nationwide presidential election. His reference highlighted an enduring challenge for Nigerian political parties: translating popularity in individual regions into support across the country’s diverse electorate. However, the circumstances of the 1999 election differ from those of 2027, and the earlier result cannot establish how voters will behave in the forthcoming contest. Punch Newspapers+1
Beyond electoral calculations, Makinde argued that any proposed opposition alliance should be shaped by the country’s broader interests. He maintained that negotiations must consider public expectations, policy commitments and the ability of political leaders to work together after an election. The governor also referenced South Africa’s experience with political cooperation to demonstrate how competing political groups can negotiate arrangements when circumstances require them to do so. His comments suggest that the discussions are not limited to identifying a presidential candidate but also involve determining whether the parties concerned can agree on a common political direction. At the same time, Nigerians have not been presented with a detailed joint manifesto or an agreed policy programme from the politicians involved in the current consultations.
Nigeria’s political parties are preparing for the 2027 general elections amid discussions about alliances, political representation and governance priorities.
The possibility of an opposition alliance has generated discussion about the implications for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. Supporters of political cooperation argue that agreements among parties can encourage broader representation and provide voters with a more coordinated alternative to an incumbent administration. Others caution that alliances formed primarily around electoral competition may encounter disagreements over leadership, policy and the distribution of political responsibilities. The different backgrounds and political platforms of Makinde, Atiku and Obi mean that any arrangement would require negotiations beyond expressions of willingness to cooperate. The ruling APC, meanwhile, remains a separate political organisation with its own electoral programme and supporters. Ultimately, the significance of any agreement would depend on its terms, implementation and reception among voters rather than announcements made during preliminary discussions.
As of November 14, 2026, Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed ongoing engagements with Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other opposition figures, but no final alliance or consensus presidential candidacy has been announced. The governor has declined to identify a preferred political partner, insisting that decisions should be based on policy proposals, previous performance and public sentiment. His comments leave open the possibility that the politicians could cooperate or continue as competitors depending on the outcome of their discussions. The next developments will involve whether the parties can reach an agreement, define their respective roles and communicate a common programme to Nigerians. As the 2027 elections approach, voters will ultimately determine the electoral significance of these negotiations through their choices at the ballot box.
