Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, drawing an immediate backlash from Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who dismissed the ambition as “dead on arrival”. Makinde also called on opposition parties and Nigerians to unite against what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to turn the country into a one-party state.
The governor made the declaration during a unity rally jointly organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan to formalise a political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said Nigeria’s democracy was under threat due to what he described as systematic efforts to weaken opposition parties, stressing that democracy could only thrive under a vibrant multi-party system that guarantees inclusiveness and healthy competition.
“Today, we have brought ourselves to a critical point in our political history where the very foundation of democracy is being threatened. We have witnessed continuous attempts to weaken opposition parties across the country. Democracy cannot thrive under a one-party system,” Makinde said.
He also expressed concern over the country’s worsening economic and security conditions, saying many Nigerians were facing severe hardship under the present administration. “At the same time, the economy and security situation continue to deteriorate, placing enormous hardship on millions of Nigerians. The responsibility of any government is to look after the welfare and well-being of its citizens, but many Nigerians are struggling daily under the present realities,” he stated.
Makinde described the emerging opposition coalition ahead of 2027 as a movement centred on the welfare and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians rather than political parties alone. “The real opposition is made up of ordinary Nigerians whose aspirations and welfare must come first. Political parties and stakeholders who truly care about the future of this country must work together to provide a credible alternative for the people,” he added.
The governor urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to rise above political apathy and participate actively in democratic processes aimed at addressing poor governance and democratic decline. Describing Ibadan as the foundation of a broader political alliance among progressive-minded Nigerians, Makinde said the coalition would focus on rebuilding public confidence and restoring hope across all levels of governance.
Earlier, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, described the gathering as “the beginning of new things”, expressing confidence that the alliance would reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027. The National Secretary of the APM, Oladele Oyadeyi, said both parties had been working together informally before deciding to formalise their relationship. “We have been working together. We are formalising our relationship. It shall be a success,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantelle, commended Makinde’s performance in Oyo State and urged Nigerians to support leaders committed to national development and democratic growth.
Wike Rejects PDP-APM Alliance
However, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, dismissed Makinde’s presidential ambition, describing it as “dead on arrival”. Wike also rejected claims of an alliance between the PDP and the APM, insisting that the opposition party remained intact and would field its own presidential candidate.
Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructural projects across the FCT, the former Rivers State governor described reports of a PDP-APM coalition as a fabrication aimed at advancing Makinde’s political ambition. “What you have is Seyi Makinde joining APM to be able to actualise his presidential ambition, which is already dead on arrival,” Wike said.
He accused Makinde and his loyalists of misleading Nigerians with claims that the PDP had entered into a political understanding with the APM. “When I say people are fraudulent, they thought I was joking. Luckily, the PDP has issued a press conference. There’s no alliance between PDP and Allied Peoples Movement or any other political party, as the case may be,” he stated.
According to Wike, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was aware that no such alliance existed, adding that the PDP was already carrying out internal processes ahead of future elections. “INEC also knows that there is nothing called PDP-APM alliance. People are busy doing their screening. So, it is an imagination of Seyi Makinde,” he added.
The minister maintained that Makinde could not emerge as the PDP presidential candidate under the current circumstances. “We know that has been his game plan and we would say he cannot fly the flag of PDP,” Wike declared.
Afenifere Backs Makinde’s Right to Contest
The apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has said Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is free to pursue his presidential ambition, stressing that democracy accommodates diverse political interests. Reacting to Makinde’s declaration to contest the 2027 presidential election, Afenifere’s Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, said the governor had the constitutional right to seek elective office and deserved support for exercising that right.
Omololu also dismissed concerns that Makinde’s ambition could divide Yoruba support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. According to him, it is the responsibility of Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress to consolidate support across the Southwest, as was done during the 2023 electioneering campaign.
In a separate reaction, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Diran Odeyemi, described Makinde’s declaration as premature and politically unrealistic. Odeyemi said the true picture would emerge when the Independent National Electoral Commission releases the final list of presidential aspirants, adding that some supporters of the governor might eventually be disappointed. He also questioned why Makinde appeared to be focusing more on confronting the APC rather than strengthening his position within the PDP.
Meanwhile, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Eddy Olafeso, and a party chieftain in Ibadan, Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan, endorsed the alliance between the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the PDP, expressing confidence that it would produce positive results in 2027. Olopoeyan added that more political parties were expected to join the alliance ahead of the general elections.
PDP Petitions DSS, Police Over Alleged Impersonation
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party yesterday said it had petitioned the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged impersonation by individuals linked to the formation of a purported interim National Working Committee (NWC). National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the PDP national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
Anyanwu said those invited by security agencies include former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and others connected to the controversial meeting held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where the alleged interim NWC was announced. “We have written to the security agencies, the Police and the DSS on the issue of impersonation, and they have already invited Adolphus Wabara, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and others who impersonated at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, where the so-called interim NWC was formed. So the matter is before the security agencies in Nigeria and after that, we hope that they will be prosecuted,” he said.
The party also dismissed claims of confusion surrounding the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent Supreme Court judgment on the PDP leadership dispute, insisting that the ruling was clear and already in its possession. Anyanwu maintained that there was only one recognised PDP leadership, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission had verified the current NWC. “The CTC is out officially from the Supreme Court. We have copies and we can send them to you as media people. There is only one PDP today. INEC has been here and it has verified the current NWC. Today we are here having our press conference. Where are they? Where are they coming from? Where are they situated? Where is their address?” he queried.
In a separate statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP distanced itself from any alliance or coalition involving the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and a political gathering held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The party described the gathering as a political meeting orchestrated by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his associates to create what it called a false impression of political relevance and support.
“Let us state clearly and unequivocally that the PDP is not part of any alliance, coalition, agreement or political arrangement with the Allied Peoples Movement or any other political party regarding this gathering or any related political activity. Any person or group claiming to be acting on behalf of the PDP in connection with this event is doing so without the knowledge, approval, consent or authority of the party,” the statement read in part.
The PDP also accused Makinde of sponsoring propaganda aimed at distorting the Supreme Court judgment and creating confusion within the party. According to the statement, recent developments had exposed what it described as the governor’s alleged political agenda and growing isolation within the opposition party. “It is obvious that ego and pride have made it difficult for him to accept the reality of his growing political isolation and failed calculations,” the party stated.
The PDP further said the turnout of aspirants at Wadata Plaza to obtain and submit nomination forms for the 2027 elections reflected confidence in the leadership of acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammad, and Anyanwu. The party assured members and supporters that it remained united and prepared for the 2027 general elections, insisting that there were no legal or political obstacles to its participation in the polls. It urged Nigerians to disregard what it described as propaganda and misleading narratives surrounding the Ibadan gathering.
PDP, APM Leaders Sign MoU Ahead of 2027 Elections
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of ongoing coalition and political realignment efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. The signing and presentation of the MoU took place at the PDP South-West Secretariat, Soji Adagunodo House, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
Speaking during the event, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Dr Eddy Olafeso, commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what he described as his role in fostering unity among political leaders. Olafeso also praised the governor’s strategic leadership and management of resources in Oyo State.
Following the signing ceremony, Makinde led PDP and APM leaders, government officials and political appointees to Mapo Hall, where thousands of party supporters gathered for a mega rally. Chairman of the PDP in Oyo State, Dayo Ogungbenro, described the rally as the climax of the alliance between the PDP and the APM after the formal signing of the MoU. He said the alliance marked the beginning of positive political developments for Oyo State and the country, expressing confidence that the coalition would produce presidents, governors and members of the National and State Assemblies in the 2027 elections.
In separate goodwill messages, former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and the PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Chief Ali Odefa, said the alliance was driven by dissatisfaction with the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to them, Nigeria could not afford to operate a one-party system, adding that opposition parties were coming together to end what they described as incompetence in the current administration.
Lamido Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s Political Direction
This came as former Jigawa State Governor and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sule Lamido, stirred fresh debate across Nigeria’s political landscape after delivering a blunt and emotionally charged reflection on the country’s deepening political uncertainty. He warned that Nigeria may be losing its ideological direction 27 years after the return to democracy.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page titled, “My Dilemma in Today’s Murky Political Environment!”, Lamido painted a troubling picture of a nation where old political loyalties have collapsed, alliances have become fluid, and former allies now occupy opposing camps with little ideological distinction. The elder statesman admitted he was struggling to understand the political “chemistry and direction” of the current moment as the build-up to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
What made the statement particularly striking was Lamido’s assertion that nearly every major political bloc currently competing for power in Nigeria is populated by leaders whose political careers were nurtured and elevated by the PDP. According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress, the opposition-aligned African Democratic Congress, and the emerging Nigeria Democratic Congress are now filled with former PDP figures who rose through the ranks of the party during its dominant years.
Listing names across party lines, Lamido pointed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and former Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje as prominent figures now aligned with the APC. He also referenced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and other longstanding PDP stalwarts who are now active within the ADC coalition.
In the NDC camp, Lamido mentioned Bayelsa political heavyweight Seriake Dickson, New Nigeria Peoples Party leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi as part of the evolving political realignment. He expressed disbelief that many of the same politicians who once campaigned under the PDP umbrella and benefited from the party’s structure are now championing different movements and ambitions outside the platform that brought them national prominence.
“Whatever titles or status they hold were conferred on them by PDP. Whatever visibility they now command is all thanks to PDP,” Lamido declared.
Beyond party politics, Lamido’s message carried the tone of a statesman concerned about the future of Nigeria’s democracy. Reflecting on the events that followed the annulment of the June 12 election and the transition from military rule in 1999, he recalled how political leaders from different backgrounds united under the PDP to stabilise the country, restore public trust, and rebuild Nigeria’s damaged international image.
According to him, that generation of leaders inherited a deeply divided nation but succeeded in restoring political order, strengthening democratic institutions, and re-establishing Nigeria’s influence within the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union. Lamido argued that the spirit of collective national purpose that defined that era now appears absent in today’s politics, replaced by shifting alliances, personal ambitions, and ideological confusion. “We knew where we were in 1999. Do we know where we are today, twenty-seven years after?” he asked.
Northern Group Accuses Atiku of Weakening Opposition
The Congress of Northern Democrats (CND) yesterday accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of destabilising opposition politics and undermining northern interests through what it described as his “perpetual presidential ambition”. The group alleged that Atiku had consistently placed personal ambition above opposition unity, national renewal and generational transition.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Comrade Musa Adamu, the CND expressed concern over reports that the former vice president might be preparing for another presidential contest ahead of the 2027 general elections. Adamu said the opposition should be focusing on addressing the country’s economic and security challenges rather than engaging in what he described as endless political calculations.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are crushed by hunger, insecurity, unemployment, inflation, and deepening economic despair, the opposition ought to be rallying around a coherent national rescue agenda,” he said. “Instead, what Nigerians continue to witness is the recycling of old political ambitions, elite ego battles, and endless power calculations headed by Atiku which is disconnected from the suffering of ordinary citizens.”
The group questioned the impact of Atiku’s long-running presidential ambition on both the North and the country. “The North, in particular, must now ask difficult but necessary questions: What exactly has Atiku Abubakar’s endless presidential project achieved for the North or Nigeria?” Adamu queried. He alleged that Atiku’s political approach had contributed to divisions within opposition parties and weakened efforts to build a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Wike-Backed PDP Faction Begins Screening of 2027 Aspirants
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commenced the screening of presidential, governorship and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by Chinwe Nnorom, National Director of Publicity, on behalf of the National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed.
According to the statement, the exercise is being coordinated by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee. The party said the screening of governorship aspirants was scheduled for noon yesterday at the PDP national secretariat annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, while the screening of presidential aspirants was fixed for 2:00 p.m. at the same venue.
The PDP stated that the presidential screening committee is chaired by former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary. Other members of the committee include former senators George Sekibo and Zainab Kure, alongside other party stakeholders. The governorship screening committee is chaired by former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, while George Ariolu serves as secretary. Other members include Ibrahim Umar, Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf and other party chieftains.
Meanwhile, the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said she had successfully completed the PDP screening exercise for aspirants seeking elective offices ahead of the elections. Speaking after the exercise in Lokoja, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she arrived fully prepared with all required credentials and supporting documents.
