Makinde confirms talks with Atiku, Obi on opposition alliance

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Seyi Makinde, Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has confirmed ongoing negotiations with Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of ...

Seyi Makinde, Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has confirmed ongoing negotiations with Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside other opposition figures, on a possible alliance to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Makinde, Oyo State governor, disclosed this during an interview with ARISE News anchor, Ojy Okpe, on Friday, saying discussions were already underway to determine the most viable political arrangement ahead of the election.

“We’re still discussing. Not only that I’m open, we’re actively discussing this,” he said.

Although he declined to endorse either Atiku or Obi as his preferred candidate, Makinde insisted that the opposition must be guided by objective assessments, including candidates’ manifestos, previous performance and public sentiment.

The APM presidential candidate declared his willingness to work with any opposition politician, including Atiku, if consultations established that the former vice-president was best positioned to lead a united opposition ticket.

Asked whether he would work with Atiku under such circumstances, Makinde replied, “Yes,” adding, “I’m willing to work with any Nigerian.”

He said the negotiations should prioritise national interest rather than individual presidential ambitions.

“That negotiation will not be anything personal. That negotiation will be the deal for Nigeria, by Nigeria,” he said.

Makinde cited the 1999 presidential election, when Olu Falae failed to translate his considerable South-West support into victory nationally, as a lesson for opposition politicians.

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