Makinde Moves to Forge Opposition Alliance Ahead of 2027, Says Nigerians Deserve Credible Alternative
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Bede Nnamdi Ezeani
IBADAN, Oyo State — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that his political party is holding consultations with other opposition groups on the possibility of forming a broad alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the disclosure on Thursday in Ibadan at a stakeholders’ meeting, where he said the prevailing political situation in the country required opposition parties to prioritise cooperation and national interest over rivalry.
The governor said Nigerians were increasingly demanding practical solutions to the economic difficulties, insecurity, unemployment and governance challenges confronting the country.
According to him, opposition parties must move beyond their individual political interests and work towards providing Nigerians with a credible and coherent alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde said the proposed collaboration would not be limited to electoral calculations but would seek to establish a broad political platform capable of articulating policies and programmes that respond directly to the needs of Nigerians.
He identified job creation, education reform and infrastructure development among the critical areas that should form part of the policy agenda of any opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
The governor stressed that the objective should be to build what he described as a “government-in-waiting,” with competent leadership, clear programmes and a practical roadmap for addressing the country’s challenges.
He said such an approach would also help restore citizens’ confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and strengthen public participation in the political process.
Makinde further revealed that consultations on the proposed alliance were ongoing at both state and national levels.
He said discussions were being held with relevant political actors and groups, adding that a framework for cooperation would be unveiled to the public in the coming months.
The governor urged members of his party and other opposition groups involved in the discussions to remain disciplined, inclusive and committed to the broader objective of providing effective leadership for Nigerians.
He maintained that unity alone would not be sufficient to guarantee electoral success, stressing that competence, credibility, policy direction and commitment to citizens’ welfare must form the foundation of any opposition alliance.
The move comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political actors exploring possible partnerships aimed at challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level.
Political realignments have become a recurring feature of Nigeria’s electoral politics, particularly as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves well ahead of major elections. The 2027 contest is expected to generate further negotiations, alliances and movements across the political spectrum.
Makinde’s latest remarks therefore add to the growing indications that opposition forces are considering broader cooperation rather than approaching the next presidential and national elections as separate political entities.
However, the success of any proposed alliance is likely to depend on its ability to reconcile competing political interests, agree on leadership arrangements, develop a common policy agenda and maintain unity among participating parties.
For now, Makinde said consultations would continue, with details of the proposed framework expected to emerge in the coming months as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
