Makinde-backed PDP–APM alliance begins screening over 3,000 aspirants ahead of 2027 elections

The political bloc aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced plans to screen more than 3,000 aspirants as part of its internal preparations for the 2027 general elections under the newly formed Peoples Democratic Party–Allied Peoples Movement (PDP–APM) alliance.

The screening exercise, which is set to cover federal, state, and local government positions, is being described by party insiders as the first major structural test of the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the next election cycle.

According to organisers, the vetting process will determine candidates seeking tickets for governorships, National Assembly seats, state assemblies, and local council positions across the country, with a strong focus on the South-West geopolitical zone.

The development follows Makinde’s recent political realignment efforts in Ibadan, where he publicly consolidated a number of opposition elements into a broader coalition aimed at mounting a challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Party officials say the screening is intended to streamline internal competition and prevent post-primary disputes by ensuring only cleared and unified candidates emerge from the process.

The committee overseeing the exercise is made up of senior party figures and legal advisers, who have reportedly adopted strict criteria for evaluation, including party loyalty, grassroots acceptability, and integrity checks on aspirants’ legal and financial backgrounds.

A senior PDP–APM stakeholder in the South-West said the process is designed to ensure cohesion within the alliance.

“We are not just selecting candidates; we are building a unified political structure that can withstand internal pressure and present a credible alternative in 2027,” the official said.

Political analysts say the scale of the screening underscores Makinde’s growing influence within opposition politics, noting that the influx of aspirants reflects a wider realignment among politicians seeking platforms outside traditional party structures.

Observers also note that managing such a large pool of contenders will test the coalition’s internal cohesion, particularly as it balances long-standing party loyalists with recent entrants from other political blocs.

As screening panels prepare to begin sittings, attention will focus on how effectively the alliance can manage internal ambitions while maintaining unity ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 election season.