Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde are reportedly edging closer to a political alliance ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election, following a series of negotiations between representatives of both camps.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the two politicians had held several physical and virtual meetings, during which significant compromises were reached towards a possible political arrangement aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The negotiations are said to be separate from the broader consultations among opposition leaders seeking to build a coalition and present a common presidential candidate against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 
Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has been a vocal critic of Tinubu’s administration and has consistently advocated collaboration among opposition parties to dislodge the ruling APC in 2027.
On April 25, the governor convened an opposition summit at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, where political leaders discussed the possibility of fielding a single presidential candidate against Tinubu.
However, the initiative has struggled to produce a consensus, with Atiku, Makinde and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi still pursuing their respective presidential ambitions.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the broader opposition coalition, Makinde confirmed on Friday that he was holding consultations with opposition figures, including Atiku and Obi.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, the governor said the outcome of the discussions would determine whether the politicians would eventually emerge as opponents or political allies in the 2027 contest.
“Depending on what we see between now and the election time, we may be rivals; we may be collaborators. One may be the client of the other,” he said.
However, findings indicate that negotiations between Atiku and Makinde have made considerable progress, with sources in both political camps expressing optimism about the possibility of an agreement.
A South-West leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the discussions as fresh, purposeful and promising.
He expressed confidence that the negotiations would produce a positive outcome, adding that both politicians could soon formally announce their political arrangement.
When asked when the proposed alliance would be unveiled, the ADC chieftain jokingly responded, “Before January 16,” in a WhatsApp message.
Similarly, an APM candidate familiar with Makinde’s political movement disclosed that the governor was likely to work with Atiku in the presidential election.
According to him, representatives of both camps had held several meetings in recent weeks, with significant progress recorded towards an understanding.
“The available information is that the Atiku and Makinde alliance is very possible, and it is taking shape. A series of meetings, both virtual and physical, have been held in the last few weeks, and they are fruitful.
“What is on the ground shows that both parties have reached compromises and they are going to unveil that very soon,” he said.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, also confirmed that Makinde was engaged in consultations with opposition leaders, although he did not specifically confirm that an agreement had been reached with Atiku.
Oyelade described those involved in the discussions as experienced politicians who understood the dynamics of contemporary politics, particularly the political implications of Tinubu’s administration.
He said Makinde was willing to work directly with other opposition tendencies if such an arrangement offered a credible opportunity to address the country’s challenges.
“As far as Governor Seyi Makinde is concerned, he is not averse to working directly with other opposition tendencies as long as there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
