Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that despite the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) controlling federal power structures and institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ultimate decision in the 2027 general elections will rest with the Nigerian people
He made the assertion on Sunday during a series of high-profile Sallah visits involving key opposition figures, signalling early political realignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Speaking against the backdrop of concerns over perceived institutional advantage by the APC, the governor insisted that electoral victories are determined by voters, not by political dominance.
The remarks by Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have, however, been igniting debate among opposition stakeholders seeking to consolidate strength before 2027.
In a related development, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, visited former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Obi, who was accompanied by Makinde, said the visit was to honour Kwankwaso and identify with the people of the state. He used the occasion to pledge the revival of Kano’s economic and industrial base, particularly the once-thriving manufacturing hubs in Bompai and Sharada.
He also assured residents of plans to restore the state’s economic vibrancy, including reviving legacy institutions such as the Bank of the North, stressing that Kano’s recovery is critical to Nigeria’s broader economic development.
Meanwhile, Makinde led another delegation, including Senator Seriake Dickson, to Bauchi State, where they paid a Sallah homage to Governor Bala Mohammed.
The visit showed growing solidarity among opposition leaders, with discussions focusing on unity, resilience and strategies for navigating political pressures.
Addressing journalists in Bauchi, Makinde urged Bala Mohammed to remain steadfast amid the challenges of governance and opposition politics, expressing confidence that perseverance would yield positive outcomes for leaders committed to public service.
Amid the flurry of political engagements, indications have emerged that Kwankwaso might be weighing a possible defection from the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that could significantly reshape the political landscape in Kano and beyond.
Sources within the Kwankwassiya movement hinted that lingering internal disputes within the NNPP might hasten the decision, potentially altering the balance of power as opposition forces strategise for the 2027 elections.