Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, stating that his experience in governance and achievements in Oyo State have prepared him for the nation’s highest office.
Makinde made the announcement during a large political rally held at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where supporters had initially expected him to unveil his preferred governorship candidate ahead of the next election cycle.
The governor, however, used the gathering to announce his presidential ambition, drawing loud cheers from party loyalists and supporters who thronged the venue.
Speaking at the rally, Makinde said the worsening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rising political tensions across the country had compelled many politicians to begin considering alternative alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, his political movement would operate through a broader coalition involving the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and elements within the PDP under what he described as a “Grand Alliance.”
Makinde said he was convinced that Nigeria needed a new direction and stronger leadership capable of addressing the country’s economic and political challenges.
“I have the experience, the competence and the vision required to move this country forward. I am more than qualified to serve as president and provide the kind of leadership Nigerians deserve,” he declared.
The Oyo governor also defended his decision to pursue the presidency, noting that his administration’s “Omituntun” reforms in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic management had demonstrated his capacity to deliver results.
He urged opposition political parties to put aside their differences and work together to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Makinde’s declaration is widely seen as a significant development within the opposition camp, especially as internal divisions continue to weaken the PDP at the national level.
Political analysts believe the move could trigger fresh alignments and negotiations among opposition figures seeking to build a formidable coalition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the next election.
The governor is also regarded as one of the first major political figures from the South-West outside the APC to openly indicate interest in contesting the presidency in 2027.
Observers noted that his decision may further deepen uncertainty over the future of the PDP, particularly following reports that some of his loyalists had already secured political structures within the APM ahead of the elections.
The rally also featured the presentation of candidates expected to contest various elective positions under the APM platform in Oyo State.
Meanwhile, a faction of the PDP loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dismissed the gathering as a meeting of dissatisfied politicians rather than a legitimate opposition alliance.
The faction, led by Abdrahman Muhammad, insisted that the event did not reflect the official position or structure of the PDP.
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