Makinde mayannounce his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election on Thursday.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may formally announce his presidential ambition at a rally scheduled for Thursday at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan South‑East Local Government Area.

The gathering, titled “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to serve as the official launch of Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential campaign and to unveil a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the state.

In addition to declaring his presidential bid, Makinde is likely to present candidates seeking state and national elective offices on the APM platform.

Earlier this year, a wave of resignations occurred among political officeholders in Oyo State, particularly those eyeing the 2027 elections, as they moved from the PDP to the APM.

Among the names expected to be announced on the APM ticket are former state Finance Commissioner Bimbo Adekanmbi as the party’s governorship candidate, and Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi, and Shina Peller as senatorial candidates.

Candidates for the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly are also slated for unveiling.

The rally will be preceded by the signing of an agreement between APM leaders and the Taminu Turaki faction of the PDP, outlining the terms of their 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.”

Preparations for Thursday’s event have intensified, with party leaders from both camps expected to arrive in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Another source noted, “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 has not yet issued an official public statement on his intention to contest the 2027 presidency, support groups and political associates continue to press for his entry into the race,” the source added.

“Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of the governor are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure gain momentum.”

The sources indicated that these activities form part of a wider strategy to strengthen grassroots structures in the state and beyond, while consolidating Makinde’s growing influence in the national political arena.

Earlier, after a January 2026 meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Makinde reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and advocated for a “bipartisan approach” to governance in Nigeria’s national interest, especially on issues such as security and poverty.

He emphasized that bipartisanship does not mean defecting to the All Progressives Congress.