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– Photos of former President Olusegun Obasanjo meeting Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde, ex-Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, and former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola have surfaced.
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 Makinde says the meeting focused on national issues and the forthcoming general election, describing Obasanjo’s counsel as timely at a critical moment in Nigeria’s political journey.
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 The gathering of influential politicians from both the opposition and the ruling party has intensified speculation over possible alliances and strategic consultations ahead of the 2027 race.
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 The meeting comes days after Makinde secured the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential ticket, further elevating interest in his growing political consultations.
August 3, (THEWILL) — Fresh political intrigue enveloped Nigeria’s evolving 2027 presidential contest on Sunday after photographs emerged showing former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosting Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, at a closed-door meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The photographs, released hours after the meeting, immediately triggered fresh debate within political circles over the significance of the gathering, coming at a time when consultations and behind-the-scenes engagements are intensifying among key political actors ahead of the next general election.
Although none of the participants disclosed the details of the discussions, Governor Makinde confirmed that the meeting centred on national issues and preparations for the forthcoming elections.
“Earlier today, we visited Baba, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR in Abeokuta. Our discussions centred on important national issues in view of the upcoming general election. We appreciate Baba for his wise counsel at this crucial time in our nation’s history,” Makinde wrote on his official Facebook page.
Although the former president has yet to comment publicly on the meeting, the composition of the delegation has become the major talking point.
The meeting comes at a politically significant moment for Makinde. The Oyo State governor formally entered the 2027 presidential race in May, declaring that Nigeria required a comprehensive reset to reverse worsening economic hardship and governance challenges.
His ambition received a further boost on Saturday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised him as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), placing him firmly among the emerging contenders for the nation’s highest office.
While there is no evidence that the meeting produced any political agreement or endorsement, Obasanjo has over the years, remained a rallying point for politicians seeking counsel during periods of political transition, regardless of party affiliation.
Obasanjo’s Influence Remains Intact
Nearly two decades after leaving office, Obasanjo continues to occupy a unique place in Nigeria’s political equation.
Successive presidential aspirants across party lines have sought his counsel ahead of major elections, reflecting his enduring influence as one of the country’s most respected political elder statesmen.
Although he has not publicly endorsed any aspirant for the 2027 election, his meetings with leading political figures routinely attract national attention because of the weight his views carry within Nigeria’s political establishment.
Sunday’s meeting is therefore expected to reinforce speculation over emerging alliances, even as none of the participants has suggested that any formal political arrangement was discussed.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
