Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has declared that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is qualified to become Nigeria's president. Obi made the remark while attending the inauguration of Makinde's presidential campaign office, according to TheCable.
The event marks a significant step in Makinde's bid for the presidency under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) party. The campaign office inauguration was reported by multiple Nigerian outlets, including Premium Times, The Nation, and Vanguard, alongside TheCable's coverage of Obi's endorsement.
Obi's attendance and public backing add weight to Makinde's presidential ambitions. The endorsement comes as the APM officially flags off its campaign activities ahead of the next general election, with the party vowing to "reset Nigeria," as reported by The Nation and Vanguard.
The APM's campaign launch signals an intensifying political landscape as parties position themselves for the upcoming vote. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also associated with the opposition, has cautioned against underestimating Makinde's candidacy, according to Daily Post Nigeria.
Mohammed's warning suggests that opposition figures view Makinde as a serious contender capable of reshaping the electoral contest. The convergence of Obi, Mohammed, and Makinde at the campaign event points to potential realignment among political actors dissatisfied with the current administration.
Makinde, who has served as governor of Oyo State, now faces the challenge of translating regional support into a national campaign. His ability to build a coalition across party lines will likely determine the traction of his presidential bid.
What to watch next: Whether Makinde secures broader opposition backing as the APM campaign gathers momentum toward the election.
