By Annette Ikponmwonba | November 5th, 2026
Key Points
· Serah Ibrahim, a prominent grassroots mobiliser linked to the Obidient Movement and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, has publicly endorsed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s 2027 presidential ambition
· She introduced Makinde at the unveiling of the Allied Peoples Movement’s presidential manifesto in Abuja, calling him the “most outstanding Nigerian on the ballot”
· In a post on X on Wednesday, she said she took part in developing his policy manifesto, the Reset Agenda
· The manifesto rests on four pillars: the economy, security, education and governance
· Obi recently dismissed talk of a rift, describing Serah as his daughter
· She has not publicly announced a formal exit from the Obidient Movement
Main Story
Serah Ibrahim, a prominent grassroots mobiliser associated with the Obidient Movement and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, has publicly endorsed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.
She has been linked with Obi’s political activities since the 2023 presidential election and has been involved in grassroots mobilisation for him. Her appearance at the unveiling of the Allied Peoples Movement’s presidential manifesto in Abuja, where she introduced Makinde and described him as the “most outstanding Nigerian on the ballot,” surprised some observers.
In a post on her X handle on Wednesday, she disclosed that she helped develop Makinde’s policy manifesto, tagged the Reset Agenda. “An honour to have been part of the process of developing the Policy Manifesto of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. It has been both a privilege and a responsibility. Today, it was an honour to introduce it to Nigerians,” she wrote. She urged Nigerians to read the document on seyimakinde.org and share their views on its four pillars.
The Issues
Serah’s move is notable because of her long identification with Obi’s support base. Her public backing of a rival candidate raises questions about the cohesion of the Obidient movement as the 2027 campaign builds, and about whether other grassroots figures might follow.
Obi had recently addressed speculation about a disagreement between them. “No, Serah is my daughter. How will a father fight with his daughter? Everybody you see around me are my children, and I love and care for all of them,” he said. That public show of warmth sits awkwardly beside her very visible role in a competing campaign, At the same time, she has not announced a formal departure from the movement, leaving her exact position unclear. Whether she is switching allegiance or simply supporting a policy platform she contributed to is not settled.
What’s Being Said
Serah framed her involvement as a privilege and a responsibility, pointing Nigerians to the manifesto’s four pillars of economy, security, education and governance, and inviting public feedback under the hashtag #ResetAgenda, Obi’s earlier comments presented the relationship as a close, family-like bond, rejecting any suggestion of a fallout. No fresh reaction from Obi, the NDC or Makinde’s camp to her latest appearance was included in the report.
What’s Next
Attention will turn to whether Serah clarifies her position, and whether Obi or the NDC respond to her endorsement of Makinde. Observers will also watch for any further defections or crossovers from the Obidient base, Makinde’s campaign is likely to use her involvement to reinforce the credibility of the Reset Agenda as the race heats up.
Bottom Line
A well-known Obi loyalist helping to shape and launch Makinde’s manifesto is a notable crossover moment for the 2027 race, but until Serah clarifies where she stands, it is unclear whether this signals a genuine split or a more complicated allegiance.
