Oyo governor says opposition parties are considering possible political arrangements but insists candidate selection must be based on performance, manifestos and public sentiment
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed ongoing discussions with opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, on a possible alliance to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Governor Makinde disclosed this during an interview with ARISE News anchor, Ojy Okpe, aired on Friday, saying he was actively involved in efforts to determine the most viable political arrangement ahead of the election.
He dismissed suggestions that he was merely open to an opposition coalition, insisting that discussions with other political figures were already underway.
“Discussions among opposition figures are ongoing, and I am actively involved in efforts to determine the most viable political arrangement ahead of the election. We are still discussing,” he said.
The governor, however, declined to endorse any of the opposition figures as his preferred presidential candidate, saying the decision should be guided by evidence rather than emotions or personal preferences.
According to him, factors such as candidates’ manifestos, past performance and public sentiment would determine the direction of the proposed alliance.
He said the opposition would assess available information before deciding whether to collaborate or contest against one another.
“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,” Governor Makinde said.