Political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gathered momentum on Sunday as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, paid a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The meeting, which also had former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, and former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, in attendance, has drawn attention because of the growing political alignments ahead of the next presidential election.
Governor Makinde disclosed the visit in a post on his official Facebook page, where he said the discussions focused on important national issues and the country’s future as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.
According to the governor, the delegation sought the advice of the former Nigerian leader at what he described as a crucial period in the nation’s history.
“Earlier today, we visited Baba, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR in Abeokuta,” Makinde wrote.
“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.”
Although Makinde did not provide details of the issues discussed behind closed doors, the timing of the meeting has fuelled speculation over possible political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 polls.
The visit comes just months after Makinde formally declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 general election.
The Oyo State governor, who is serving his second and final term in office, announced his presidential ambition in May, becoming one of the early politicians to publicly indicate interest in succeeding President Bola Tinubu.
Makinde is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a development that has attracted significant attention in Nigeria’s political landscape.
His decision to seek the nation’s highest office followed months of speculation about his political future after completing two terms as governor of Oyo State.
Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria both as a military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President between 1999 and 2007, remains one of the country’s most influential political figures.
Over the years, political leaders from different parties have regularly visited him to seek advice and, in some cases, his support before major elections.
Although he no longer belongs to any political party, Obasanjo has continued to play an active role in national affairs by commenting on governance, leadership, security, the economy and elections.
His endorsements have often attracted national attention, even though they have not always translated into electoral victories.
Ahead of previous elections, Obasanjo publicly backed different presidential candidates, including former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 before later withdrawing his support. He also endorsed former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2015 election and later supported Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi before the 2023 presidential election.
However, the former president has not publicly declared support for any potential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
His silence has continued to generate interest as consultations among politicians intensify.
The presence of Fayemi and Oyinlola at Sunday’s meeting has also attracted attention because both men belong to different political backgrounds.
Fayemi, a former governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Solid Minerals Development, is a leading member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although he contested the APC presidential primary ahead of the 2023 election, he stepped down during the contest, which was eventually won by Bola Tinubu.
Oyinlola, on the other hand, is a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The former Osun State governor has remained active in national politics and has maintained close relationships across party lines.
The presence of politicians from different parties at the meeting has further strengthened suggestions that consultations ahead of 2027 are likely to cut across political divides.
They note that discussions during such visits usually cover national challenges, leadership issues and possible areas of political cooperation.
The latest meeting also comes at a time when conversations about succession and possible presidential contenders are becoming more frequent.
While President Tinubu has yet to formally declare his intention regarding the 2027 election, several political figures have begun consultations, held meetings with stakeholders and expanded their political engagements across the country.
Within the opposition, discussions have also intensified over possible alliances that could strengthen efforts to challenge the ruling APC.
Several governors, former governors and senior political leaders have continued to meet behind closed doors as parties prepare for what is expected to be another highly competitive election.
Makinde has emerged as one of the leading political figures in the South-West in recent years following his re-election as governor in 2023.
His administration has been credited by supporters for projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture, while critics have questioned some of his policies and political decisions.
Beyond Oyo State, the governor has become increasingly involved in national political discussions and has maintained relationships with leaders across different political parties.
His latest visit to Obasanjo is therefore being viewed as part of efforts to build wider national support ahead of the presidential race.
For Obasanjo, the meeting reinforces his continuing relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape despite leaving office nearly two decades ago.
Politicians across party lines still regard the former president as an influential elder statesman whose opinions carry weight on issues of governance and national development.
Although no official details have emerged about any political agreements reached during Sunday’s discussions, the visit is expected to add to ongoing debates over the shape of the 2027 presidential contest.
With less than a year to the general election, consultations among political leaders are expected to increase as aspirants seek endorsements, build alliances and position themselves for party primaries.
For now, Obasanjo has remained publicly neutral, while Makinde continues to present himself as one of the politicians seeking to lead Nigeria after the end of the current administration.