Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is set to deepen speculation about his 2027 presidential ambition with a major political rally scheduled for Thursday at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement are expected to unveil a new political alliance ahead of the next general elections.
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is being positioned by supporters as the formal launch of Makinde’s anticipated presidential bid, although the governor has yet to publicly confirm his intention to contest the presidency. Sources within both parties said preparations had intensified ahead of the gathering, with political leaders, youth groups and supporters already arriving in Ibadan for the rally.
Multiple PDP sources familiar with the negotiations said the rally would also feature the formal unveiling of several candidates expected to contest under the APM platform in Oyo State. Among those reportedly pencilled down are former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as governorship candidate, alongside Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller for senatorial positions.
Party insiders said the rally would be preceded by the signing of an agreement between the APM leadership and a PDP bloc reportedly aligned with former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki.
“We will sign forms of alliance with APM involving its national chairman and our own side led by Taminu Turaki,” a senior PDP source said. “Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the platform of the APM.”
The development comes amid growing political realignments within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as governors, lawmakers and influential political actors continue consultations over possible coalitions to challenge the ruling APC.
In recent months, Oyo politics has witnessed a wave of defections and quiet repositioning by political officeholders believed to be nursing ambitions for 2027. Several figures formerly linked with the PDP have reportedly moved into the APM structure as consultations intensified around Makinde’s national political future.
Sources close to the governor said grassroots mobilisation had expanded beyond Oyo State, with support groups and political associates working to build wider acceptance for Makinde among southern and northern political blocs.
“The rally is expected to attract stakeholders and allies from across the country, especially people who align with Governor Makinde’s leadership style and political direction,” another source familiar with the arrangements said.
Although Makinde has consistently avoided making a direct declaration about his presidential ambition, his recent political activities have continued to fuel speculation about a possible national project.
Following a January meeting with President Bola Tinubu, the Oyo governor reiterated his commitment to the PDP while also advocating bipartisan cooperation on national security and economic challenges. The governor had argued that governance should transcend party divisions where national interest was involved.
Political observers say Thursday’s rally could mark a defining moment in Makinde’s political trajectory, especially if he formally adopts the APM platform for a presidential contest.
Analysts also believe the planned alliance could reshape opposition politics in the South-West, where the APC currently maintains significant dominance. A Makinde-backed coalition involving dissatisfied PDP blocs and smaller parties may alter calculations ahead of the 2027 race.
However, questions remain over how the PDP national leadership would respond if one of its most influential governors openly aligns with another platform while still retaining formal ties to the opposition party.
Neither the national leadership of the PDP nor the APM had issued an official statement on the proposed alliance as of Wednesday night, though party sources confirmed that final consultations were ongoing ahead of the Ibadan rally.
Political watchers say the outcome of Thursday’s gathering may provide the clearest indication yet of Makinde’s next move and the direction of opposition politics ahead of 2027.
