A fresh push to unite Nigeria’s opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections could pave the way for an Atiku Abubakar and Seyi Makinde presidential ticket, potentially displacing former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi from the vice presidential position he is believed to have secured.
Sources familiar with ongoing consultations within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said efforts to establish a wider opposition alliance could eventually see Makinde replace Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate.
At the same time, another opposition bloc is reportedly exploring the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) as an alternative platform, highlighting the divisions and uncertainty surrounding opposition negotiations months before the 2027 party primaries.
Obasanjo Leads Opposition Consultations
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly playing a key role in consultations aimed at bringing major opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, together to create a united political platform capable of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The initiative has also attracted backing from G100, a coalition of 100 prominent Nigerians. Members such as Salihu Moh. Lukman and Nnena Ukeje have supported calls for opposition leaders to agree on a consensus presidential candidate rather than repeat the fragmented campaigns seen in previous elections.
Supporters of the arrangement argue that another divided opposition campaign could split the anti incumbency vote and improve the APC’s chances of retaining power.
Why Makinde Is Being Considered
Sources said Makinde’s attractiveness as a possible running mate is based largely on practical political considerations, particularly the huge financial and organisational demands involved in running a nationwide presidential campaign.
As a sitting governor with an established political structure and a strong network across Oyo State and beyond, Makinde could help reduce some of the financial and logistical challenges of a national campaign.
He is also believed to have been considered previously for the position of Atiku’s running mate before Amaechi eventually emerged following disagreements over the presidential nomination process, which reportedly included threats of legal action.
Amaechi Could Resist Any Change
Any attempt to replace Amaechi is likely to generate significant resistance.
People familiar with the discussions said the former minister would be unlikely to surrender the vice presidential slot without a fight, especially after the political battles and negotiations that reportedly preceded his emergence.
This could make Amaechi a major obstacle to any proposed Atiku Makinde arrangement.
The situation reflects the wider challenge confronting Nigeria’s opposition. While unity could strengthen its chances against the APC in 2027, achieving that unity may require compromises that upset influential politicians who have already fought to secure strategic positions.
Disputes over the presidential and vice presidential slots, party platforms and political influence could therefore create new fractures within an alliance that is still being negotiated.
For now, the consultations remain fluid, and no final presidential ticket or political arrangement has been publicly confirmed. However, if negotiations eventually produce an Atiku Makinde ticket, it would significantly alter the opposition’s 2027 strategy and could force Amaechi and his allies to reassess their political options ahead of the primaries.
