Makinde Joins 2027 Race, Announces Presidential Ambition in Ibadan

Makinde Joins 2027 Race, Announces Presidential Ambition in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, announcing that he will run under a new political arrangement involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Makinde made the declaration on Thursday in Ibadan during a political event held after the signing of an alliance agreement between factions linked to the PDP and APM, aimed at strengthening opposition coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the governor, the agreement is designed to resolve internal party disputes and ensure that candidates aligned with the coalition structure will contest under a unified platform in the next election cycle.

He explained that under the arrangement, candidates of the crisis-hit PDP structure in Oyo State would contest elective positions on the APM platform as part of the broader alliance strategy.

Makinde said the development proves critics wrong who had previously suggested that the opposition may struggle to present a united front in 2027, insisting that the coalition is committed to fielding candidates for all elective positions nationwide.

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He further called on opposition stakeholders to close ranks and work together to strengthen their chances in the upcoming election, stressing that unity remains key to achieving electoral success.

The governor then formally declared his presidential ambition, stating:

“I, Seyi Makinde hereby announce my candidacy for the presidency of Nigeria under the PDP/APM Alliance in 2027.”

He added that his decision to run is driven by what he described as the need for the “rebirth of Nigeria”, signalling a reform-focused campaign direction ahead of the elections.

The announcement marks one of the earliest formal presidential declarations for 2027 and is expected to reshape political calculations within opposition circles as parties begin early positioning for the race.

However, the coalition arrangement has already raised questions in political circles, particularly regarding the structure of the alliance and how candidate selection will be managed across participating parties, including the PDP and APM framework.

Political observers say Makinde’s declaration could significantly influence opposition dynamics going into 2027, especially as parties attempt to consolidate support against the ruling political establishment.

For now, the governor’s announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive and closely watched presidential contest.

Makinde Joins 2027 Race, Announces Presidential Ambition in Ibadan