Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what could become a major battle within the opposition ahead of the next political cycle.
Makinde made the declaration on Thursday during a large political rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Ibadan.
PDP, APM Formalise Political Alliance
The event also witnessed the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, further fueling talks about emerging political coalitions ahead of 2027.
Makinde and APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, jointly witnessed the signing ceremony.
Seyi Bamidele signed on behalf of the PDP, while Oladele Oyadeji represented the APM.
The rally attracted party loyalists, stakeholders, and political figures from different parts of the South-West and beyond.
Top Political Figures Attend Rally
Among dignitaries present were Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; alongside Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Chief Saka Balogun, Open Salawu, and Abass Adigun.
The gathering is already being viewed by political observers as an early show of strength ahead of consultations expected to intensify within opposition circles.
‘This Movement Goes Beyond Individuals’
Speaking during the rally, former PDP National Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso, described the alliance as the beginning of a new political direction aimed at rebuilding public trust in governance.
According to Olafeso, the coalition was not driven by personal ambition but by the need for a broader collaboration among political actors concerned about Nigeria’s future.
“This movement goes beyond individuals. It is not about personal ambition or unhealthy political competition. It is about this generation, the next generation and generations yet unborn,” he said.
He added that the current economic and political realities in the country had made opposition unity increasingly necessary.
Pressure Builds Ahead of 2027
Makinde’s declaration is expected to trigger fresh conversations within the PDP and allied political blocs as discussions around zoning, coalition-building, and party primaries begin to gather momentum.
The Oyo governor now joins the growing list of political figures expected to shape early calculations for the 2027 presidential election.