Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may formally declare his presidential ambition during a rally billed for the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday.
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to serve as the official launch of Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.
Aside from declaring his presidential bid, Makinde is also expected to unveil aspirants seeking state and national elective positions on the platform of the APM.
Recall that there was a wave of resignations by political officeholders in the state, especially those seeking positions in the 2027 elections, from the PDP to the APM.
Among those expected to be unveiled on the APM platform are former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as the party’s governorship candidate; Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller as senatorial candidates.
House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates of the party are also expected to be unveiled.
The declaration rally is expected to be preceded by the signing of an agreement between leaders of the APM and the Taminu Turaki faction of the PDP on the terms of the alliance.
A credible PDP source said, “We will sign forms of alliance with APM, involving its national chairman and our own side, led by Taminu Turaki.
Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the platform of the APM.”
Ahead of Thursday’s rally, preparations have intensified, with party leaders from both camps expected to begin arriving in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Another source said, “The May 14 rally is expected to attract political stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders, traditional supporters and allies from across the country, particularly individuals believed to align with Governor Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.
“Although the governor is yet to make an official public statement regarding his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, support groups and political associates have continued to intensify calls for him to join the race.
“Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of the governor are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.”
The sources added that the moves formed part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots structures across the state and beyond while consolidating Makinde’s growing influence within the national political space.
Recall that Makinde, following a January 2026 meeting with President Bola Tinubu, reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, advocated for a “bipartisan approach” to governance in Nigeria’s national interest, particularly on issues like security and poverty.
He stressed that bipartisanship does not mean defecting to the All Progressives Congress.
