Makinde declares 2027 presidential bid under PDP–APM alliance

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under a new political arrangement between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Makinde made the declaration on Thursday during a grand rally in Ibadan, Oyo State, held shortly after the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between leaders of the two political platforms.

The agreement reportedly brings together a faction of the PDP in Oyo State and the APM, with arrangements for candidates aligned with the crisis-hit PDP bloc to contest elections under the APM platform in 2027.

According to party representatives, the alliance is expected to field candidates across all elective positions in the upcoming general election, signalling a coordinated political strategy ahead of the polls.

The MoU was signed by representatives of both sides, with Seyi Bamidele signing on behalf of the PDP faction and Oladele Oyadeji signing for the APM. Governor Makinde and the National Chairman of APM, Yusuf Dantalle, also appended their signatures to formalize the agreement.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters at the event, Makinde formally announced his presidential ambition.

“I, Seyi Makinde hereby announce my candidacy for the presidency of Nigeria under the PDP/APM Alliance in 2027,” he declared, drawing loud applause from attendees.

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He said his decision was driven by a vision for national renewal and institutional reform, adding that his ambition was aimed at “the rebirth of the Nigerian nation.”

Makinde also used the occasion to call for unity among opposition forces, urging political stakeholders to set aside internal divisions and work together ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stressed that cohesion within opposition ranks would be critical to mounting a strong electoral challenge, noting that fragmentation had historically weakened opposition parties in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Analysts say the emergence of a PDP–APM alliance and Makinde’s formal declaration could reshape early calculations ahead of the 2027 presidential race. However, questions remain over the stability of the coalition and its acceptance within the broader PDP structure.

Political observers also note that factional arrangements such as this could deepen internal tensions within the opposition, even as they attempt to present a united front against ruling party structures.

As preparations for 2027 gradually take shape, Makinde’s declaration is expected to intensify political realignments and negotiations across Nigeria’s major political blocs.