NDC, APC, Wike’s Camp and APM React to Peter Obi’s Statement Backing Seyi Makinde
Abuja — Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has triggered fresh political debate after publicly declaring that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is qualified to become President of Nigeria.
Obi made the statement while attending the inauguration of Makinde’s presidential campaign office in Abuja, an appearance that has generated reactions across Nigeria’s increasingly crowded 2027 political landscape.
The development is particularly significant because Obi and Makinde are both prominent figures in the opposition camp and have been linked to broader discussions about how opposition politicians could work together ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi’s remarks have since been interpreted differently by supporters, opponents and political actors, with some describing the gesture as a demonstration of political maturity, while others see it as evidence of uncertainty within the opposition.
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NDC: A Message of Political Cooperation?
Within the NDC camp, the focus has largely been on Obi’s broader message of opposition cooperation rather than interpreting his remarks as an endorsement of Makinde over his own presidential ambition.
Obi has consistently argued that Nigeria’s political challenges require cooperation among patriotic Nigerians and political actors willing to put the country ahead of personal interests.
His appearance at Makinde’s campaign office therefore provides another indication that the former Anambra governor is willing to maintain political relationships across opposition platforms.
However, the development has inevitably raised questions among some supporters about the implications of publicly praising another presidential contender while remaining the NDC’s presidential candidate.
There has been no credible indication that Obi has withdrawn his presidential ambition or directed his supporters to vote for Makinde.
APC Seizes on Obi-Makinde Moment
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its allies have also seized on the development, with some interpreting Obi’s appearance as evidence of uncertainty within the opposition.
For the APC, the spectacle of one opposition presidential contender publicly praising another provides useful political ammunition ahead of the 2027 contest.
Some APC-linked commentators have consequently raised the possibility that the various opposition presidential hopefuls could eventually negotiate a political arrangement involving a single candidate.
However, such speculation remains just that.
There has been no formal announcement that Obi is stepping aside for Makinde or that the NDC has adopted Makinde as its presidential candidate.
Wike’s Camp Attacks Obi
The sharpest criticism has come from the camp of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Lere Olayinka, a media aide to Wike, questioned the political logic behind Obi attending an event associated with another presidential contender.
Olayinka criticised Obi over the development, describing him as a “confusionist” and suggesting that the episode raises questions about the direction of his political strategy.
The criticism reflects a broader argument from Obi’s opponents that it is politically contradictory for the NDC presidential candidate to appear at a campaign-related event for another presidential aspirant.
For Obi’s supporters, however, the argument misses the point of his intervention: acknowledging the qualification of another politician does not automatically amount to abandoning one’s own presidential ambition.
APM Welcomes Obi’s Intervention
For the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the platform on which Makinde is seeking the presidency, Obi’s appearance represents a significant political development.
Makinde’s supporters have welcomed the recognition from a politician of Obi’s national stature, particularly at a time when the governor is attempting to expand his political profile beyond Oyo State.
The APM has positioned Makinde as a serious contender capable of providing an alternative to the established political order.
Obi’s declaration that Makinde is qualified to be president therefore gives additional visibility to Makinde’s campaign and reinforces the growing conversation around opposition cooperation ahead of 2027.
Supporters Divided Over Obi’s Statement
The reaction among Nigerians and Obi’s supporters has also been mixed.
Some supporters have praised Obi for demonstrating political maturity and refusing to treat fellow opposition politicians as enemies.
According to this school of thought, Obi’s willingness to acknowledge Makinde’s qualifications demonstrates that his politics is not driven solely by personal ambition.
Others, however, have questioned the wisdom of the move.
They argue that Obi should be concentrating on strengthening the NDC and mobilising his supporters rather than appearing at the campaign event of another presidential candidate.
The controversy has consequently shifted the conversation from “Is Makinde qualified?” to the more politically consequential question:
What exactly is Peter Obi’s strategy for 2027?
No Evidence Obi Has Endorsed Makinde Over Himself
Despite the political interpretations surrounding the development, an important distinction must be made.
Obi’s statement that Makinde is qualified to become president should not automatically be reported as a formal endorsement of Makinde’s presidential candidacy.
There has been no confirmed announcement that Obi has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race, surrendered the NDC ticket or instructed his supporters to support Makinde.
Rather, his appearance appears to have reinforced his call for greater cooperation among opposition forces and a politics focused on Nigeria’s future.
Nevertheless, the political symbolism cannot be ignored.
A presidential candidate appearing at the campaign office of another presidential contender and publicly acknowledging that contender’s qualification for the highest office is bound to generate questions.
And with the 2027 presidential race gradually taking shape, every gesture, alliance and public statement is likely to be subjected to intense political interpretation.
For now, the Obi-Makinde encounter has done one thing very effectively: it has reopened the debate over whether Nigeria’s opposition will enter the 2027 election as fragmented contenders—or eventually find a way to build a broader political alliance.
