Oyo State Gov. Seyi Makinde may formally declare his presidential ambition at a rally scheduled for Thursday at Mapo Hall, in what supporters describe as the launch of his anticipated 2027 presidential campaign.
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is also expected to feature the unveiling of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State.
Makinde is expected to unveil aspirants seeking state and national elective offices on the platform of the APM, including former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance Bimbo Adekanmbi as the party’s governorship candidate. Others expected to be presented include Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller as senatorial candidates.
Candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly are also expected to be introduced at the rally.
The gathering is expected to be preceded by the signing of an alliance agreement between APM leaders and a faction of the PDP led by Tanimu Turaki .
“We will sign forms of alliance with APM, involving its national chairman and our own side, led by Taminu Turaki,” a PDP source said. “Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the platform of the APM.”
Preparations intensified ahead of the rally, with party leaders from both camps expected to arrive in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Another party source said the rally is expected to attract political stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders and supporters from across Nigeria, particularly those aligned with Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.
Although Makinde has not publicly confirmed plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, support groups and political associates have continued to urge him to enter the race.
The sources said the political moves are part of a broader strategy to strengthen grassroots structures in Oyo State and expand Makinde’s influence nationally ahead of the next general election.
Makinde had earlier reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP following a January 2026 meeting with President Bola Tinubu. He also advocated a bipartisan approach to governance on issues such as security and poverty, while insisting that bipartisan cooperation does not amount to defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
