Obi Urges Credible 2027 Poll, Declares Makinde Fit for Nigeria’s Top Job
Peter Obi has described Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as fully qualified to become Nigeria’s president, while urging politicians to put national interest above partisan rivalry.
The race for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency took an unexpected turn on Monday as Peter Obi publicly declared that Seyi Makinde is qualified to lead the country, despite both men contesting the same election on different political platforms.
Obi made the remark in Abuja during the inauguration of Makinde’s presidential campaign office, describing the Oyo State governor as “my dear brother” and insisting that the presidency should ultimately be decided by the Nigerian people rather than political desperation.
Speaking to party supporters and political leaders at the event, Obi said his appearance was intended to demonstrate a different style of politics, one where rivals can acknowledge each other’s credentials while still competing for the nation’s highest office.
“Is he qualified to be president? Yes,” Obi said, adding that Nigerians should be free to choose their preferred candidate in a credible election.
The former Anambra governor also called for greater unity among opposition figures, arguing that Nigeria’s worsening poverty, insecurity and economic hardship require cooperation beyond party lines. He maintained that whoever emerges victorious through a free and fair electoral process should receive the support of other political actors in rebuilding the country.
Makinde, who is seeking the presidency on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), welcomed Obi’s presence as a gesture of political maturity. Obi, meanwhile, remains the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after securing his party’s nomination earlier this year, making the endorsement of Makinde’s qualification notable without amounting to support for his candidacy.
The remarks come as political alignments continue to evolve ahead of the 2027 general election. Alongside President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the growing field of presidential contenders has intensified conversations about possible alliances and opposition cooperation.
Obi also urged politicians to abandon what he described as the “politics of quarrel,” saying leadership contests should revolve around solving hunger, unemployment and insecurity rather than personal attacks. He argued that Nigeria deserves a system where opportunity is determined by merit rather than connections.
While the statement does not signal a merger between the two campaigns, it reflects an increasingly important theme in the 2027 race: the possibility of respectful competition alongside post-election collaboration. As parties reposition themselves, the emphasis on credibility, unity and governance may prove just as influential as the electoral contest itself.