Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde formally declared his intention to run for president in 2027 on Thursday, announcing that he would contest under an alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The declaration sets up a potential showdown with President Bola Tinubu.
Makinde announced at a major rally on Mapo Hill, Ibadan, where supporters of both the PDP and APM gathered. The event followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties earlier that day at the PDP South-West Secretariat, Soji Adagunodo House, on Old Ife Road.
The MoU was signed under Makinde’s supervision alongside APM National Chairman Yusuf Mamman Dantalle. Party officials described the agreement as a strategic alignment to strengthen both parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing the crowd, Makinde said Nigeria needed a new direction driven by competence, inclusion, and grassroots development calling for political cooperation that cuts across traditional party lines.
We are all here at this mega rally to announce the grand alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples’ Movement. We must retrace our steps to understand how we arrived at this point in our political history,” he said.
“We have found ourselves at a point in our nation’s political history where the very foundations of democracy are being shaken.“
“We have continued to witness interference in the affairs of opposition parties across our beloved country, with the clear intention of steering Nigeria towards a one-party state.”
The governor maintained that democracy could only thrive in an environment where multiple political parties existed and competed fairly.
“Without a multi-party system, there can be no true democracy. So, where is our democracy today?” he asked.
Makinde also decried the worsening economic and security conditions in the country, saying many Nigerians had been pushed into survival mode.
“The economic and security situations continue to worsen, forcing the majority of Nigerians into survival mode on a daily basis.“
“Those entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the welfare of the people have instead treated the authority given to them as personal property, to be exercised at their own discretion,” he said.
According to him, Nigerians had been pushed to the brink and made to believe that the opposition could never unite against the ruling establishment.
“For several months now, one question has remained at the forefront of my mind: where do we go from here? Is this truly the path we intend to continue on as a nation?
“We have been pushed to the brink, with the expectation that we will turn against one another in confusion and desperation.“
“Their greatest assumption is that we will become too exhausted from the daily struggle to survive to resist or demand better.“
“They concluded that the opposition could never unite. Today, I stand before you to say clearly: that was a grave miscalculation,” Makinde declared.
The governor said the opposition extended beyond political parties, insisting that every Nigerian affected by hardship and poor governance formed part of the movement for change.
“The opposition in Nigeria is not limited to political parties alone. The opposition is every ordinary Nigerian for whom this country is no longer working.“
“And the opposition political parties in Nigeria remain committed to working together to present a credible alternative for our people,” he stated.
Makinde urged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process and resist political apathy.
“This is the moment for all of us to shake off the growing apathy and actively engage in the political process to ensure that Nigeria works for every citizen.“
“This is the time to confront our fears. Do not be afraid. It is time for us to participate as citizens, not merely stand by as spectators in our own country.“
“We cannot afford to remain bystanders. We must engage. We must participate. And together, we will secure the future we deserve,” he added.
Calling for unity among opposition parties, Makinde described the alliance between the PDP and APM as the beginning of a broader political coalition.
“To the opposition political parties, this is the time for unity, one party at a time. That is exactly what the PDP and the APM are demonstrating today.
“This is the moment to work together in unity and determination to give our generation the leadership and direction it urgently needs.“
“Today, I proudly declare the birth of the Reset Nigeria Movement. The time to reset Nigeria is now,” he said.
The governor, thereafter, formally declared his presidential ambition, saying, “And so, today, here in my home state, in Ibadan, the city of warriors, the first grand alliance is formed: the alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples’ Movement.“
“This partnership will enable us to present candidates at every level of government, from the Presidency to the State Assemblies, and every office in between.“
“Therefore, today, I, Oluseyi Makinde, FNSE, formally announce my candidacy for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.
Also speaking at the rally were several opposition leaders and political stakeholders, who unanimously called for greater unity among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The speakers expressed concerns over the state of the nation, particularly the economic hardship and security challenges confronting Nigerians, insisting that a broad-based political coalition had become necessary to protect democracy and provide credible leadership for the country.
In his goodwill message, former Osun State Governor and PDP chieftain, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said the emerging alliance was borne out of dissatisfaction with the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in Yoruba, Oyinlola said the alliance was driven by promises made to Nigerians by President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign.
“What brought us to this level of alliance? About three and a half years ago, our brother, Bola Tinubu, said it was his turn to become President.“
“He assured Nigerians that the power sector would be revitalised, the oil sector repositioned, and the country moved towards progress and prosperity.“
“But where are we today? That was the purpose of the opposition summit in Ibadan, to chart a new course for the country and build a stronger alliance capable of addressing the challenges facing Nigerians,“ Oyinlola said.
He added that worsening economic conditions and growing public dissatisfaction had made it necessary for opposition leaders to come together in search of solutions capable of restoring hope among Nigerians.
Supporters waved PDP and APM banners and held cassava stems aloft a symbol of grassroots mobilisation and economic resilience as chants filled the venue after the declaration.
The move is expected to accelerate political realignments in the South-West, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition blocs are already positioning for 2027.
Security personnel maintained a heavy presence around the rally throughout the event.
