2027: Makinde woos Obi’s S’East base, rejects ethnic politics

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi addressed separate crowds in Enugu on Thursday, each targeting the South-East region in a bid to win support for the January 16, 2027, presidential election. With fewer than three months remaining until voting day, both candidates held town hall meetings in the area, which is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people. Makinde, the presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement, urged voters to disregard ethnic and religious affiliations when casting their ballots. He argued that national challenges affect all citizens regardless of tribal or religious identity. Obi, running for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, countered by outlining specific policy pledges aimed at addressing economic stagnation and insecurity. Makinde spoke at the APM South-East town hall meeting, noting that his campaign team initially faced discouragement from locals who declared the region firmly behind Obi. Despite this resistance, Makinde insisted his team proceeded to deliver their message. He highlighted four main pillars of his platform: resetting the economy, restructuring the security architecture, reforming education, and resetting the socio-political space. Makinde claimed that thirty percent of the nation's problems could be resolved through sincere leadership. He cited his experience in Oyo State, where he said he successfully bridged the trust deficit between the government and citizens after years of public skepticism toward official announcements. He expressed intent to replicate this success nationally. The APM candidate stated that his administration would prioritize job creation and economic expansion. He proposed moving Nigeria away from reliance on federal allocation sharing toward a productive economy that generates sustainable wealth. To support this goal, Makinde disclosed a partnership with Skill Reset Nigeria to train one million young Nigerians in employable skills. He encouraged interested youths to register via the organization's website. Makinde also noted that while reports suggest Nigeria holds substantial foreign reserves and that the Nigerian Revenue Service has met its annual tax targets, the government continues to seek additional borrowing. Peter Obi addressed supporters at the Amadeo Event Centre later in the week. He pledged to generate, transmit, and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity if elected. This target contrasts with current data from the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s National Control Centre, which recorded total available generation at approximately 5,403.3 megawatts in September 2026. Obi described reliable power as essential for reviving industries and stimulating economic activity. He also vowed to address worsening insecurity, stating that his presidency would unite and secure the country. Obi further pledged to declare emergencies in education and anti-corruption efforts. He promised to ensure access to primary healthcare in every ward nationwide. The former governor criticized the current administration's management of public funds, arguing that resources must serve the public good. He demanded greater transparency regarding government expenditures and borrowing practices. Obi specifically challenged President Bola Tinubu to tour the country and explain the administration's performance since 2023. The challenge focused on recent financial requests submitted to the National Assembly. President Tinubu recently sent a letter seeking approval for external loans totaling $20,517,755,901 and €1,045,083,643 under the 2026-2027 Supplementary External Borrowing Plan. Obi questioned how previous loans were utilized and called for direct accountability. He also faulted the president's frequent foreign travels, demanding explanations for associated government spending. Obi argued that citizens deserve to hear directly from politicians seeking their votes to evaluate records and policy proposals before making electoral decisions. Both candidates emphasized the urgency of the upcoming election. In the 2023 presidential race, Obi, then the Labour Party candidate, won across all South-East states, establishing himself as the leading contender in the region. Although he has shifted to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Obi retains strong support among his constituents in the area. Makinde’s strategy involves appealing to a broader electorate beyond traditional ethnic bases, asserting that national issues transcend regional boundaries. The APM candidate stated that his party would finalize its manifesto over the weekend preceding its scheduled unveiling on November 4, 2026. The document is intended to outline solutions to the concerns raised during recent town hall consultations across the six geopolitical zones. The rivalry in the South-East highlights a strategic shift in the campaign landscape. While Obi leverages his existing popularity in the region, Makinde attempts to disrupt local loyalties by focusing on universal economic grievances. Both men pointed to hunger, unemployment, and lack of security as critical failures of the status quo. Their speeches reflected a competitive effort to define the narrative for the final stretch of the campaign. The presence of both high-profile figures in Enugu within a short timeframe underscores the importance of the South-East vote in determining the outcome of the 2027 contest. Campaign teams from both parties continue to mobilize supporters in the lead-up to the election date.