By Uthman Oriyomi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Monday attended the campaign flag-off of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in a show of solidarity with its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Obi, who arrived at the venue at 12:33pm, expressed support for Makinde and called for unity among opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections unless.
Addressing the gathering, Obi said his presence was informed by the need to build an inclusive Nigeria.
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“I am here because we have to build a new Nigeria; a Nigeria of inclusion.”
On Makinde’s presidential ambition, Obi said the Oyo governor was qualified to lead the country, adding that Nigerians should unite behind whoever eventually emerges as president.
“Is Makinde qualified to be president? Yes. Whoever Nigeria chooses, all of us will work with him.”
He added: “We are here to show solidarity. I assure you that we will remain united and work together to build a new Nigeria.”
Responding, Makinde said the opposition could defeat the ruling forces if it remained united, regardless of who eventually emerged as its candidate.
“It doesn’t matter who gets it, If we all come together we will defeat them.”
Obi’s appearance at the APM campaign launch is likely to fuel speculation about efforts by opposition parties to forge greater collaboration ahead of the 2027 elections.
His visit also came amid reported differences between the duo of Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is the national leader of the APM, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
With Makinde now flying the APM’s presidential flag and Mohammed leading the party nationally, Obi’s solidarity visit could signal attempts to exploit emerging realignments within the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
