The Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples' Movement (APM) on Thursday took a significant step to deepen opposition collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections by formally signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The event, which took place at the South-West Secretariat of the PDP along Old Ife Road, Ibadan, attracted political stakeholders, party leaders, supporters, and governorship aspirants from both parties. This development comes amid ongoing coalition talks aimed at strengthening opposition politics against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bimbo Adekanmbi, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the APM, arrived at the venue ahead of the ceremony and was warmly received by party loyalists and supporters. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, witnessed the signing of the MoU between the two parties. Seyi Bamidele signed on behalf of the PDP, while Oladele Oyadeji signed for the APM.
Among those present at the event were Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo; Chief Saka Balogun; Open Salawu; and Abass Adigun, among others.
Speaking at the event, former National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Eddy Olafeso, described the alliance as the beginning of a new political direction aimed at repositioning the country and restoring public confidence in democratic governance. According to him, the coalition represented a new way of thinking and a collective commitment among progressive political forces to build a better future for Nigerians.
“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,” Olafeso said. He noted that the prevailing political and economic challenges confronting the country had made broader opposition collaboration necessary. Olafeso added that the South-West remained strategically important in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, stressing the need to sustain the progressive legacy of leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In his remarks, Dantalle described the event as historic, saying the alliance was not designed to fight any individual or political party but to deepen democracy and restore hope to Nigerians. “This movement is not about fighting anybody or destroying any political platform. Rather, it is about rebuilding the nation and ensuring that governance truly works for the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.
He lamented the economic hardship facing citizens and stressed the need for inclusive governance and stronger political coordination capable of restoring Nigeria’s pride and leadership position within Africa. Dantalle maintained that the alliance between the PDP and APM was aimed at strengthening democratic cooperation, broadening political participation, and laying the foundation for a more formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
