A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has faulted the proposed Government of National Unity (GNU) being canvassed by Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, and Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, describing it as part of the political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Hashim had, after a meeting with Makinde in Ibadan, said both leaders agreed on the need for a broad-based government after the 2027 election, which he envisaged would follow the defeat of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.

He said the proposed arrangement would bring competent Nigerians from across political parties and backgrounds together to restore national cohesion, rebuild public confidence and address the country’s economic and security challenges.

But Showunmi, who had recently declared support for Tinubu’s re-election, questioned the rationale for Makinde’s presidential ambition and the emerging opposition alignments.

He said that the contest for the Presidency should take into account Nigeria’s geopolitical structure and what he described as the need for balance among the six geopolitical zones.

Showunmi, who also questioned the political consequences of what he described as competing presidential ambitions at a time when opposition figures were exploring alliances ahead of the election, said an incumbent seeking re-election should not voluntarily surrender political advantage to opponents.

The PDP chieftain’s position reflects his recent campaign for Tinubu’s re-election, saying that continuity is necessary for the implementation of the government’s policies.

Meanwhile, the Makinde-Hashim meeting and their proposed unity government have therefore added another layer to the emerging political realignments ahead of 2027, with zoning, opposition cooperation, incumbency and the shape of the post-election government increasingly featuring in the political debate.