2027: Opposition capable of defeating Tinubu, say Obi, Makinde

• As Makinde/Daura Presidential campaign office is commissioned in Abuja

• NDC presidential candidate says Makinde qualified for presidency

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

In a clear show of solidarity, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, on Monday, attended the official commissioning of the Makinde/Daura Presidential campaign office in Abuja.

Engr Seyi Makinde, the current Governor of Oyo State, is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), while Lawal Isa Daura is his running mate.

While speaking at the ceremony, Obi who arrived the venue amidst cheers, expressed support for Makinde and called for unity among opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi explained that his presence at the ceremony was necessitated by the pertinent need to build an inclusive Nigeria.

According to him, “I am here because we have to build a new Nigeria; a Nigeria of inclusion”.

Commenting on the presidential aspiration of the Oyo State Governor, Obi declared, emphatically, that Makinde is eminently is qualified to lead the country.

He urged Nigerians to unite behind whoever eventually emerges as the country’s President.

“Is Makinde qualified to be president? Yes. Whoever Nigeria chooses, all of us will work with him”, Obi said.

Continuing, he said, “We are here to show solidarity. I assure you that we will remain united and work together to build a new Nigeria.”.

Speaking at the commissioning, Makinde expressed the firm optimism that the opposition is capable of defeating the ruling forces if it remained united, regardless of who eventually emerged as its candidate.

“It doesn’t matter who gets it, If we all come together we will defeat them”, he said.

The APM Presidential aspirant said, “I am aware that some people have already decided that this campaign does not count. I have been here before.

“When I first asked the people of Oyo State to entrust me with the responsibility of serving them, many people said I did not stand a chance. They looked at the established political forces, looked at me, and concluded that I could not win. But the people of Oyo State had other ideas.

“So, when they say today that this campaign does not count, I do not take it personally. What they are really saying is that the hopes of millions of Nigerians do not count. They are saying that the market woman struggling with rising prices does not count.

‘That the young person searching for an opportunity does not count. That the farmer, the worker, the small-business owner and every Nigerian who believes this country can be better do not count. But we count. Our voices count. Our experiences count. Our ideas count.

“And, together, our votes will count. That is why Reset Nigeria cannot be a conversation among politicians alone. It must become a conversation in our homes, markets, schools, offices, farms, factories and communities.

“We want to hear from the trader who struggles whenever transport costs rise.

“We want to hear from the farmer who cannot afford to move produce to the market. We want to hear from the business owner whose costs rise every time the price of fuel changes.

“We want to hear from the young Nigerian who is working hard but can no longer see a clear path to a better life.

“This office belongs to that conversation. Its doors are open to Nigerians who believe that our country can work better than it does today.

“So, I invite you: join the Reset Nigeria conversation. Ask questions. Challenge our ideas. Share your own ideas. Organise within your communities. Become a Resetter”, Makinde said.