Governor Seyi Abiodun Makinde of Oyo State has officially declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made during a massive rally held in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Makinde Calls for National Reset
Speaking at the event, which also marked the formal alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Makinde emphasized the urgent need to reset Nigeria. He expressed deep concern over the declining fortunes of Nigerians and called on citizens to actively engage in the political process rather than remain passive spectators.
According to reports from The Cable and Vanguard, the governor stated: "Without a multi-party system, there is no democracy. Where is our multi-party? Where do we go from here? We have been pushed to the wall. The calculated and self-opposition cannot unite, but I am here to say that the opposition is the everyday Nigerian."
Time for Unity and Action
Makinde declared: "This is the time for all of us to ensure Nigeria works for us. This is the time to confront our fears. It is time to engage as citizens and not spectators. For the opposition political parties, this is the time to unite and work in unity and give our nation the much-needed reset."
The governor further announced the formation of the first grand alliance between the PDP and APM, which will field candidates from the presidency down to the state Assembly level. He concluded: "The time to reset Nigeria is now. Ibadan is the city of warriors. The first grand alliance is formed. The PDP and APM alliance is formed. This handshake will allow us to field candidates from presidency to state Assembly. And so, I declare my candidacy for the office of the president of Nigeria."
The alliance is seen as a significant move to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections. Makinde's declaration has sparked widespread reactions across the political landscape, with supporters praising his boldness and critics questioning the viability of the alliance.
