Barring any change of plans, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, is set to declare his 2027 presidential ambition on Thursday.
Makinde, it was gathered, would declare his ambition during a “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” which unveils a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM).
The event which holds at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, is also meant to unveil PDP candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Micheal Ogunsina, spokesperson of the Uncompromised PDP, and made available to journalists, party stakeholders, leaders, supporters and members across the state.
The leadership crisis that rocked PDP had forced Makinde and his Bauchi State counterpart, Governor Bala Mohammed, to pitch tent with APM. While Bala has since secure the party’s senatorial form, Makinde is poised to run for presidency on the party’s platform.
On Monday, APM Board of Trustees former Chairman, Muhammed Musa Bagana, welcomed the defection of Makinde and Mohammed to the party.
What’s more, five House of Representatives members – all loyal to Makinde, recently dumped the PDP for the APM.
They are: Dhikirulahi Stanley Olajide (Ibadan South West/Ibadan North West); Abass Adigun (Ibadan North East/South East); Folajimi Oyekunle (Ibadan North Federal Constituency) and Anthony Adepoju (Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central); Shina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/
However, the Ibadan event on Thursday, tagged, “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to serve as the official launch of governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, unveil of a grand political alliance between PDP and APM, as well as candidates aligned with the emerging coalition.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that preparations for the rally have intensified amid growing political realignments within Oyo State and the wider South-West region.
Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of Governor Makinde are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.
According to the statement, the event is compulsory for all candidates, while party leaders, stakeholders, PDP support groups and loyalists of Makinde, popularly known as GSM lovers, were urged to mobilize massively for the occasion.
The statement emphasized the need for strong participation from party structures across the state to ensure a successful outing for the ruling party.
It also encouraged candidates and supporters to come adorned in publicity materials such as caps, banners, placards and flyers to create awareness and demonstrate solidarity with the party and Governor Makinde’s administration.
Ogunsina urged all concerned to treat the announcement with utmost importance, describing the event as a significant step in the party’s preparations towards the 2027 elections.
