Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is expected to officially announce his presidential ambition at a rally scheduled for Thursday at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area.
Read more: Seyi Makinde expected to announce 2027 presidential bid on ThursdayThe event, titled “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026, will mark the formal launch of Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential campaign. It will also serve as the unveiling of a new political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State.
In addition to declaring his presidential bid, Governor Makinde is set to introduce aspirants contesting for state and national offices under the APM platform.
Recently, several political officeholders in the state—particularly those eyeing positions in the 2027 elections—have resigned from the PDP to join the APM.
Among those expected to be presented as APM candidates are former State Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as the party’s governorship candidate, as well as Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi, and Shina Peller as senatorial hopefuls. Candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly are also expected to be unveiled.
Prior to the rally, leaders of the APM and the Taminu Turaki faction of the PDP will sign an agreement outlining the terms of their alliance.
A senior PDP source revealed, We will formalize our alliance with the APM, involving its national chairman and our side, led by Taminu Turaki. Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the APM platform.
Preparations for the rally have intensified, with party leaders from both groups expected to arrive in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Another source indicated that the rally on May 14 will draw political stakeholders, youth organizations, community leaders, traditional supporters, and allies from across Nigeria—particularly those who support Governor Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.
Although Governor Makinde has not yet made an official statement regarding his 2027 presidential ambition, support groups and political associates have been urging him to enter the race. Grassroots mobilizers and loyalists are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations for a broader political structure continue to gather momentum,” the source added.
These developments are part of a wider plan to strengthen grassroots support in Oyo State and beyond, consolidating Makinde’s influence on the national political stage.
It is worth recalling that after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in January 2026, Makinde reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and advocated for a bipartisan approach to governance, particularly on critical issues such as security and poverty. He emphasized that bipartisanship does not equate to defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
