Makinde Opens Door to Atiku, Obi Alliance as Opposition Seeks United Front Against Tinubu

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed willingness to work with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi ahead of the January 2027 presidential election as opposition parties intensify efforts to build a political alliance capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu.

Makinde, the Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate, confirmed his involvement in ongoing consultations during an exclusive interview with ARISE News anchor Ojy Okpe aired on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The governor acknowledged that time was running out for opposition parties to reach an agreement but maintained that the country’s interests should take precedence over the personal ambitions of individual candidates.

His remarks come amid efforts by opposition leaders to overcome political differences and explore a common electoral strategy against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In October, six opposition parties announced consultations involving Makinde, Atiku of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The discussions also involved Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate Donald Duke, according to a statement issued by Salihu Lukman on behalf of the participating parties.

Although the consultations suggest growing recognition of the need for cooperation among opposition leaders, significant questions remain over the structure of any proposed alliance and the political concessions required to sustain it.

Makinde did not disclose a timetable for reaching an agreement or indicate whether he would withdraw his own presidential ambition in support of another candidate.

The absence of a declared consensus candidate also means the discussions have yet to produce a unified opposition ticket.

For the opposition, the challenge extends beyond securing an agreement among political leaders. Any alliance would need to reconcile competing presidential ambitions, establish an acceptable political structure and mobilise supporters across party lines.

With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduling the presidential election for January 16, 2027, the remaining campaign period places additional pressure on the parties to translate their consultations into a concrete political arrangement.

Until an agreement is announced, however, the proposed alliance remains a subject of negotiation rather than an established electoral coalition.