The possibility of Nigeria’s opposition parties reaching a common arrangement ahead of the 2027 presidential election received fresh momentum on Monday after Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was seen publicly with Seyi Makinde, another contender seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
Obi attended the unveiling of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM)’s presidential campaign office in Abuja, a development that renewed speculation about an opposition alliance ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.
Speaking at the event, the former Anambra State governor said Makinde was qualified to become president and urged Nigerians to be allowed to choose their preferred candidate, while calling on opposition parties to set aside their differences and unite in efforts to “rescue Nigeria”.
“A Nigeria of unity and inclusion. We have a candidate who is contesting the presidency today: my dear brother Seyi Makinde. Is he qualified to be president? Yes,” Obi said.
His appearance at the event is significant given the prolonged difficulty opposition leaders have faced in agreeing on a single presidential candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge to the incumbent, Tinubu.
