2027: Obi, Makinde Rally Opposition Around ‘Reset Nigeria’ Agenda

Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, alongside Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, has joined other opposition figures in promoting a proposed “Reset Nigeria” agenda. The mobilisation took place in Abuja during the inauguration of the APM presidential campaign office, where opposition leaders called for greater cooperation and expressed confidence that Nigerians would have the opportunity to freely choose their preferred leaders in the 2027 election. Makinde used the occasion to outline his campaign's focus on transparency, accountability and ensuring that Nigeria's natural resources deliver greater benefits to citizens. Makinde Rejects Return to Fuel Subsidy Makinde rejected calls for a return to the former petrol subsidy regime but proposed a different approach to reducing fuel costs through a domestic crude-pricing framework for Nigerian refineries. He questioned why crude produced in Nigeria and supplied to local refineries should be priced as though it were imported. The governor also called for greater transparency across the petroleum value chain, covering crude production, domestic allocation, refining, transportation, distribution, taxation and retail margins. According to Makinde, Nigerians should be able to understand how fuel prices are determined, how public resources are managed and who benefits from government decisions. He said the “Reset Nigeria” initiative should extend beyond politicians and become a broader national conversation involving traders, farmers, business owners, workers, young people and communities. Obi Backs Opposition Cooperation Obi, who attended the commissioning of the APM campaign headquarters, described Makinde as qualified to contest for the presidency and called for a more cooperative approach among political leaders. He said Nigerians should be allowed to make their choice through a free and credible election, adding that political leaders should be prepared to work together for the country regardless of who emerges victorious. Obi also argued that political competition should focus more on tackling poverty, hunger and insecurity than on personal or partisan disputes. Opposition Leaders Seek Common Ground Former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu also called for increased cooperation among opposition leaders, saying the country needed a reset and a new direction. Bauchi State Governor and APM National Leader Bala Mohammed urged political opponents not to underestimate Makinde's presidential campaign, while APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle said the party would pursue an issue-based campaign centred on competence, accountability and practical solutions. The latest development comes as opposition groups continue to explore possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Whether the emerging alliances can translate into a unified political structure or a common presidential candidate remains to be seen. For now, the “Reset Nigeria” message places economic hardship, insecurity, fuel pricing, government transparency and accountability at the centre of the opposition's emerging campaign narrative. Source: PUNCH — September 8, 2026. Editorial note: Statements and political positions attributed to Makinde, Obi and other opposition figures represent their respective positions and should not be interpreted as predictions of the 2027 election outcome.