APC may have the President, INEC… but we have the people behind us and they will decide__ Governor Makinde
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday declared that the strength of the opposition lies with the Nigerian people, insisting that electoral outcomes would ultimately be determined by voters rather than political dominance.
Makinde made the remark during a series of high-profile Sallah visits involving key opposition figures, as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape.
Makinde spoke against the backdrop of growing concerns about perceived institutional advantage by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that while the party may control federal power structures, the will of the people remains decisive.
His comments have since stirred political debate, especially among opposition stakeholders seeking to build momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, paid a Sallah visit to former Kano State governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano. Obi, who was accompanied by Makinde, said the visit was purely to honour Kwankwaso during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration and to identify with the people of the state.
During the visit, Obi pledged to revive Kano’s economic and industrial base, particularly the once-thriving manufacturing hubs in Bompai and Sharada.
He assured residents that efforts would be made to restore the state’s economic vibrancy, including reviving legacy institutions such as the Bank of the North, noting that rebuilding Kano is central to broader national development goals.
In a related development, Makinde also led a delegation that included Senator Seriake Dickson to Bauchi State, where they paid a Sallah homage to Governor Bala Mohammed.
The visit underscored growing solidarity among opposition leaders, with discussions centred on unity, resilience, and navigating political challenges.
Makinde, while addressing journalists in Bauchi, encouraged Governor Bala Mohammed to remain steadfast despite pressures associated with leadership and opposition politics.
He emphasised that challenges are part of governance but expressed optimism that perseverance would yield positive outcomes, particularly for leaders committed to public service.
Amid these political movements, fresh indications have emerged that Kwankwaso may be considering a defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that could significantly reshape Kano politics.
Sources within the Kwankwassiya movement suggest that ongoing internal disputes within the NNPP may accelerate the decision, potentially altering the balance of power ahead of 2027.