Representatives of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have reportedly held a series of meetings over a possible political alliance to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Makinde had earlier confirmed that he was consulting with Atiku and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as opposition politicians explore possible strategies ahead of the next presidential election.
However, a report by Punch indicates that the discussions between Atiku and Makinde are separate from the broader consultations among opposition leaders seeking to present a common presidential candidate against Tinubu.
According to the publication, there are strong indications that the former vice-president and the Oyo State governor could eventually work together ahead of the 2027 polls.
Political figures familiar with the negotiations disclosed that representatives of both camps had held several physical and virtual meetings in recent weeks, with discussions reportedly making progress towards an agreement.
A South-West leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed optimism that the proposed alliance would materialise.
He described the discussions as fresh, purposeful and promising, suggesting that both politicians could soon formally announce their plans.
When asked when the proposed arrangement would be made public, the ADC chieftain jokingly responded, “before January 16,” accompanied by a laughing emoji in a text message.
Similarly, a candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), who is familiar with Makinde’s political movement, said the governor was expected to work with Atiku in the 2027 presidential election.
He disclosed that a series of engagements between representatives of both camps had taken place, adding that there were indications that the negotiations were progressing.
“The available information is that the Atiku and Makinde alliance is very possible, and it is taking shape. A series of meetings, both virtual and physical, have been held in the last few weeks, and they are fruitful.
“What is on the ground shows that both parties have reached compromises, and they are going to unveil that very soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that Makinde was engaged in discussions with other opposition leaders, although he did not specifically confirm an agreement between the governor and Atiku.
Oyelade described the politicians involved in the consultations as experienced figures familiar with the complexities of contemporary Nigerian politics, particularly developments surrounding the Tinubu administration.
According to him, Makinde remains open to working with other opposition tendencies if such an arrangement offers a credible opportunity to address the country’s challenges.
He stated, “As far as Governor Seyi Makinde is concerned, he is not averse to working directly with other opposition tendencies as long as there’s light at the end of the tunnel to end the unequalled sufferings of the masses, because he believes that the level of renewed poverty is absolutely needless.”
Despite the reported progress, the specific terms of the proposed Atiku-Makinde arrangement remain unclear. Neither the negotiating camps nor the sources disclosed how the alliance would be structured or how issues surrounding the presidential and vice-presidential tickets would be resolved.
The ADC, however, has confirmed that consultations among opposition parties are continuing ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, maintained that the discussions were not restricted to any particular politician or political organisation.
“All opposition parties are still talking. And it’s never too late,” he wrote in a WhatsApp message to Punch.
Gists9ja reports that the reported discussions come amid growing efforts by opposition politicians to explore possible alliances and political arrangements ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
