Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has met with Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the presidential candidate of the Accord Party, to discuss a potential alliance ahead of the 2027 election. The meeting, which took place in Ibadan, Oyo State, focused on the need for a peaceful political transition and a broad-based administration capable of addressing the country's challenges. Olawepo-Hashim disclosed the details of the meeting on his verified Facebook page.
According to Olawepo-Hashim, the proposed alliance aims to go beyond efforts to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 2027 election. The two leaders agreed that any political change after the election should be followed by efforts to unite the country and create a stable political environment. Olawepo-Hashim stated that their discussion centered on the need for a Government of National Unity, which would bring together competent and patriotic citizens from different political parties and backgrounds.
Olawepo-Hashim emphasized that Nigeria requires the contribution of competent and patriotic citizens to overcome its current challenges. He noted that a post-APC-led Nigeria would need the participation of the best and most patriotic hands to bring the nation together after twelve years of division. The proposed arrangement, according to Olawepo-Hashim, would not be based solely on political affiliation, but rather on national rebuilding and cooperation among people with different political backgrounds.
The meeting between Makinde and Olawepo-Hashim is part of wider consultations among political leaders ahead of the 2027 election. Olawepo-Hashim disclosed that discussions had previously taken place with other presidential candidates over the possibility of forming a post-election Government of National Unity. He stated that the journey towards a united Nigeria starts now, with a clear understanding among leaders.
The proposed arrangement, according to Olawepo-Hashim, would focus on national cohesion, rebuilding public confidence, strengthening institutions, and bringing together competent Nigerians to tackle economic and security challenges. This comes as Makinde intensifies his nationwide consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a recent North-West zonal town hall meeting in Katsina State.
Makinde's campaign organization has announced a fresh phase of consultations and grassroots mobilization, with town hall meetings scheduled to hold in the six geo-political zones across the country. The engagements aim to provide opportunities for citizens, political stakeholders, and other groups to discuss issues affecting the country while the APM candidate presents his plans. Tony Ehilebo, Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication to Makinde, confirmed that the campaign had commenced its consultations and grassroots mobilization.
Makinde's campaign has been built around his "Reset Nigeria" message, with his team saying the consultations are intended to address issues including national stability, citizen welfare, accountability, transparency in public resource management, and increased citizen participation. The governor secured the APM presidential ticket at the party's national convention in August and later selected former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Musa Daura, as his running mate.
Key points
- A Government of National Unity is being proposed to bring together competent and patriotic citizens from different political parties and backgrounds.
- The alliance between Makinde and Olawepo-Hashim aims to go beyond efforts to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling APC at the 2027 election.
- Makinde's campaign has commenced consultations and grassroots mobilization, with town hall meetings scheduled across the six geo-political zones.
