Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday attended the inauguration of the presidential campaign office of Allied Peoples Movement candidate, Seyi Makinde, in Abuja.

Obi’s appearance attracted attention because he and Makinde are both presidential candidates preparing for the 2027 election on different political platforms.

However, the former governor’s presence at the APM event may not necessarily signal a new political alignment.

As governor of Anambra State, Obi was known to attend political events involving rival parties, including campaign rallies organised by the ruling party when the President visited the state.

His participation in such events was generally seen as part of his approach to political engagement, rather than an indication that he had abandoned his political platform.

Obi has often projected an approach to politics that allows room for political differences while maintaining relationships across party lines.

His appearance at the APM campaign office inauguration therefore fits into what his supporters describe as his “live and let live” approach to political engagement.

The former governor attended Monday’s event alongside Bauchi State Governor and APM National Leader, Bala Mohammed, as the party formally activated its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The campaign office, located in Wuse II, Abuja, will serve as the national coordinating centre for the Makinde-Lawan Daura presidential campaign.
Obi is the presidential candidate of the NDC, while Makinde is contesting the presidency under the APM.

The fact that Obi attended an event organised to advance another presidential candidate’s campaign could therefore attract political speculation, particularly as opposition parties continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 contest.
But there was no indication at Monday’s event that Obi endorsed Makinde’s candidacy or entered into a formal alliance with the APM.

His attendance, viewed against his previous engagements with political opponents, could instead be interpreted as another example of his willingness to participate in political events outside his immediate party structure.

Opposition Politics Ahead of 2027

The development comes at a time of increasing political activity among opposition figures, with parties building structures, holding consultations and exploring possible areas of cooperation ahead of the election.

For Obi, the Abuja appearance provides another example of his engagement across political divides. For the APM, having a prominent opposition presidential candidate attend the inauguration gave added visibility to the launch of its national campaign structure.

With the 2027 presidential contest gradually taking shape, political interactions involving leading opposition figures are likely to continue attracting attention.
For now, however, Obi’s presence at the APM event does not amount to an endorsement of Makinde.

It is consistent with a broader pattern of political engagement in which the former Anambra governor has maintained contact with politicians and political events beyond his own party.