2027 Race: Obasanjo, Makinde, Fayemi, Oyinlola hold closed-door talks in Ogun

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Political consultations ahead of the 2027 general election gathered momentum on Monday as former President Olusegun Obasanjo met with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The closed-door meeting, held at Obasanjo’s residence, has drawn attention amid growing political realignments and heightened discussions over the 2027 presidential election.

Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, Makinde, in a post on his official social media page, said the discussions centred on “important national issues” ahead of the forthcoming general election.

“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.

The meeting has sparked fresh political interest because it brought together prominent political figures from different backgrounds at a time consultations ahead of the 2027 polls are gathering pace.

Makinde, now a leading figure in the All Progressives Movement (APM), as its presidential flagbearer, has been widely mentioned in discussions surrounding opposition realignments ahead of the next general election.

Fayemi, a former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains an influential voice in national politics, while Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun State, continues to play an active role in political consultations.

Obasanjo, despite no longer holding elective office, remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political statesmen. Leaders across party lines have frequently sought his counsel on national issues and during critical election cycles.

While none of the participants disclosed the specific issues discussed or indicated that the meeting was linked to any presidential ambition, the gathering is expected to fuel speculation over possible alliances, coalition-building and strategic consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.