2027 presidential election: Atiku and Makinde negotiate alliance against Tinubu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on P.M. News and Punch
Representatives of Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president, and Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, have held numerous meetings and reached compromises in talks on an alliance against Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, according to Punch. These talks, separate from the wider consultations of the opposition, have not yet produced a publicly announced agreement.
Physical and virtual meetings have taken place between the two camps in recent weeks. A candidate from the APM party, close to the movement of Mr Makinde, says both sides have made compromises and intend to reveal them very soon. An ADC official in the South-West, who asked not to be named, describes the exchanges as fresh, determined and promising.
In a televised interview on Friday, Mr Makinde confirmed exchanges with opposition leaders, including Atiku and former Anambra governor Peter Obi. He said the outcome of these discussions would determine whether they become rivals or partners in 2027. His commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade, says Mr Makinde does not rule out working directly with other opposition currents, provided this opens a realistic path to ending poverty. Atiku, Mr Makinde and Mr Obi all maintain their presidential ambitions.
None of those involved has specified the terms of the negotiations or the envisaged structure of the alliance, including the question of the presidential ticket. ADC secretary-general for communication Bolaji Abdullahi says all opposition parties are still talking and it is never too late. Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s special assistant for public communication, confirms that the former vice-president is engaging with opposition leaders to build a common front.
The presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027, and the opposition must reconcile its interests and agree on a common strategy, or on a consensus candidate able to challenge Mr Tinubu.
