Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared his willingness to work with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Makinde confirmed that opposition leaders are holding discussions over a possible alliance to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made the disclosure during an interview with ARISE News anchor Ojy Okpe on Friday, November 13.
The governor said he was actively involved in efforts to find a workable political arrangement before the election.
“We’re still discussing,” Makinde said.
When asked whether he was open to an alliance with other opposition leaders, he replied: “Not only that I’m open, we’re actively discussing this.”
Makinde refuses to choose between Atiku and Obi
Although Makinde expressed willingness to work with both politicians, he declined to endorse either as his preferred candidate.
He argued that opposition leaders must examine available evidence before deciding who should lead a possible coalition.
“To arrive at a decision, you need data,” he said.
The governor explained that the discussions would consider candidates’ manifestos, past performance and public sentiment.
He warned against making political decisions based solely on emotions or personal preferences.
“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 added.
‘We may be rivals or collaborators’
Makinde used his experience in the oil and gas industry to explain why political rivals could work together.
He noted that companies in the same industry sometimes compete but also collaborate when their interests align.
Applying that example to the 2027 election, he said opposition politicians could take different roles depending on the outcome of their negotiations.
“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.
Asked whether he would work with Atiku if the available evidence identified him as the strongest candidate, Makinde answered, “Yes.”
He added: “I’m willing to work with any Nigerian.”
Makinde cites 1999 election as warning to opposition
The Oyo governor also referenced Nigeria’s 1999 presidential election.
He recalled how Olu Falae secured significant support in the South-West but failed to turn that regional backing into a national victory.
Makinde said opposition leaders must first agree on the best political direction before pursuing an alliance.
“Our biggest challenge is, first, to agree on what is the best course of action, and then seek an alliance,” he said.
He also cited South Africa’s experience with political cooperation as an example of how competing groups can negotiate when circumstances demand it.
Makinde insisted that the negotiations should focus on Nigeria rather than individual ambitions.
“That negotiation will not be anything personal,” he said. “That negotiation will be the deal for Nigeria, by Nigeria.”
Opposition leaders explore possible 2027 alliance
Makinde’s comments add to growing consultations among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The discussions involve possible cooperation among politicians seeking an alternative arrangement to challenge the APC.
However, Makinde has not endorsed Atiku or Obi as the preferred candidate of a proposed alliance. The opposition leaders must still agree on a candidate, political platform and terms of cooperation.
For now, the governor says discussions remain ongoing.
