Amanze Chinonye
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Sunday arrived in Kano State for a closed-door engagement with the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, following an earlier round of consultations in Bauchi State, as political actors deepen engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections, Prime Business Africa reports.
Makinde had earlier met in Bauchi with Governor Bala Mohammed and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, in a closed-door session where discussions reportedly centred on emerging alignments within the opposition.
Addressing journalists after the Bauchi meeting, Makinde denied claims that his camp had aligned with the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) associated with Nyesom Wike, insisting that political loyalties ahead of 2027 remain fluid.
“I came to the public domain to say that I was in a meeting with Wike and President Tinubu, and Wike promised to hold PDP for the president towards 2027,” Makinde said.
“Anyone with Wike’s group is supporting President Tinubu in 2027. We leave it for Nigerians to judge. We are not begrudging them for supporting President Tinubu, but go to them if you want to support them. They have the Federal Government, the judiciary, and INEC behind them, But we have the people behind us.”
Makinde was accompanied on the visits by Dickson, who recently defected from the PDP to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), further underscoring shifting loyalties within opposition ranks.
While details of the Kano engagement were not officially disclosed, Kwankwaso indicated via his official X account that the meeting also had a social dimension, as he hosted Makinde, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, and Dickson at his residence in Kano.
“Delighted to host Their Excellencies, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, and Seriake Dickson at my Kano residence for this joyful Sallah celebration. Wishing everyone peace, blessings, and prosperity,” Kwankwaso wrote.
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Separately, Obi disclosed that he had earlier visited Kaduna State as part of his ongoing nationwide consultations. In a post on his official X account, he said he met with party stakeholders, including Dr. Ahmed Tijjani, a gubernatorial hopeful, and Senator Lawal Adamu representing Kaduna Central.
Obi said his interactions in Kaduna reinforced his belief in the need for leadership anchored on competence and service, rather than financial influence.
“What I observed in them was not just political ambition but a sincere desire to serve the people and contribute to the rebuilding of our country,” he said, describing Kaduna as a strategic state with strong potential for unity, industry, and economic revival.
He also emphasised the need to restore social cohesion, warning that division remains a major obstacle to national progress.
“A divided society cannot progress, but a united, just, and inclusive one will always find a path to peace and development,” Obi added, stressing the importance of moving away from money-driven politics toward leadership defined by character and measurable results.
The convergence of key opposition figures across multiple states Bauchi, Kaduna and Kano has heightened political activity and speculation about possible alliances, as stakeholders continue consultations aimed at repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
