Makinde Says He Is Open to Opposition Cooperation in 2027

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said opposition consultations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election are continuing and that he is willing to work with Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi or other politicians, while excluding President Bola Tinubu from a potential arrangement.

Makinde made the remarks in a television interview, saying he had held engagements with Atiku and Obi and that discussions were ongoing. He said opposition leaders should maintain cordial relations because they could take on different roles at different times. He did not announce a completed alliance or endorse either politician as the opposition’s presidential candidate.

The governor said any decision about a shared candidate or political arrangement should follow an assessment of candidates’ records, manifestos and public sentiment. He said the opposition’s first task was to agree on the best course of action, rather than select a candidate based on personal preference. This account of his selection criteria was reported in detail in one interview report.

Makinde said he would be prepared to work with Atiku if an assessment found the former vice president to be the strongest candidate, and said he was...