Breaking: Atiku, Makinde Reach Fresh Compromises As Alliance Talks Gather Momentum

Representatives of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have reportedly made progress in negotiations towards a possible political alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The development comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to build a united political front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a report by Sunday PUNCH on Sunday, November 15, representatives of Atiku and Makinde have held several physical and virtual meetings in recent weeks, with sources familiar with the discussions indicating that both camps have reached certain compromises.

The proposed arrangement is reportedly separate from broader consultations involving other opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who is also participating in discussions about a possible opposition coalition.

Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), had earlier confirmed that he was in active discussions with opposition leaders, including Atiku and Obi.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE News, the governor said the outcome of the consultations would determine whether political figures would contest against one another or collaborate ahead of the 2027 election.

He explained that political relationships could change depending on the circumstances, noting that some politicians could become rivals or partners in the electoral process.

Sources within the opposition also expressed optimism that the negotiations between Atiku and Makinde could produce an agreement that would be formally announced in the coming weeks.

A South-West leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who spoke to Sunday PUNCH anonymously, described the discussions as promising and suggested that an announcement could come before January 16.

Similarly, an APM candidate familiar with Makinde’s political movement disclosed that representatives of both camps had held several meetings and made progress towards an understanding.

However, the specific terms of the proposed agreement, including the question of the presidential ticket and the political structure of the alliance, have not been made public.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, also acknowledged that Makinde was consulting with opposition leaders, although he stopped short of confirming that a final agreement had been reached with Atiku.

According to Oyelade, the governor remained open to working with other opposition tendencies if such an arrangement offered a credible opportunity to address Nigeria’s challenges.

Meanwhile, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that discussions among opposition parties were continuing, stressing that the consultations were not restricted to any particular politician or political party.

Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, also confirmed that the former vice-president was engaging opposition leaders to build a common political front.

He said the discussions were aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative and addressing the country’s economic and governance challenges.

Despite the reported progress, neither Atiku’s camp nor the ADC has publicly confirmed a concluded agreement specifically between the former vice-president and Makinde.

The latest development adds another dimension to the opposition’s political calculations ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election, particularly as prominent figures continue to pursue individual ambitions while exploring possible alliances.

Whether the emerging discussions will produce a common presidential ticket or a broader political arrangement remains to be seen.