Obidient Movement mobiliser Serah Ibrahim backs Seyi Makinde for 2027 presidency

Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State executive, received a public declaration of support from Serah Ibrahim, a key figure in the Obidient Movement, as he campaigns for the top executive post in the 2027 national polls. Ibrahim expressed her backing at the presentation of the Allied Peoples Movement’s presidential platform in Abuja on Wednesday, July 23, 2026. During the gathering, she presented Makinde to the attendees, characterizing him as the finest Nigerian candidate available for voters to consider. Political analysts closely monitored her attendance at the inauguration, noting her significant influence in rallying backing for former Anambra State leader Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential contest and her ongoing involvement with his political endeavors.

Background

Ibrahim’s endorsement goes beyond a public appearance, as she disclosed on her X account that she was part of the team responsible for developing Makinde’s presidential policy document, branded as the Reset Agenda. The document is structured around four key pillars: the economy, security, education, and governance. Ibrahim urged Nigerians to engage with the manifesto, available on seyimakinde.org, and share their views on these pillars. Although her actions signal a shift in political alignment, she has not formally announced a departure from the Obidient Movement, leaving the full extent of her realignment unclear. The move has sparked speculation about internal dynamics within Obi’s support base, particularly given her long-standing involvement in his grassroots campaigns since the 2023 election.

Why it matters

The endorsement by a figure of Ibrahim’s stature is significant for Makinde’s campaign, as it suggests a potential widening of his support base beyond his traditional APC and APM circles. For Peter Obi, the NDC’s 2027 presidential candidate, the development has prompted a direct response to manage public perception. In a video message addressing the speculation of a falling-out, Obi played down any suggestion of a dispute, referring to Ibrahim as his daughter. He stated that he loves and cares for all those around him, comparing them to his children, thereby attempting to frame the situation as familial rather than political. This reaction is intended to mitigate any narrative of a rift within his coalition. Meanwhile, the broader 2027 political landscape continues to see various figures aligning with different candidates, such as Christian Prophet Isa El-Buba backing Prince Adewole Adebayo for the SDP, aiming to mobilise millions of supporters ahead of the election.

What happens next

As the 2027 general election approaches, both Makinde and Obi are expected to continue their respective campaign strategies. Makinde’s team will likely leverage the Reset Agenda and endorsements from former opponents to build momentum. Obi, on the other hand, will need to consolidate his base and address any perceptions of disunity. The coming months will likely see further realignments and public statements from key political figures as campaigns intensify. The impact of Ibrahim’s endorsement on voter sentiment in key states remains to be seen, but it marks a notable development in the evolving political dynamics of Nigeria’s upcoming presidential race.