• Governor Seyi Makinde may officially announce his 2027 presidential ambition at the “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”
• The event is expected to unveil a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State
• Several PDP members and political officeholders have reportedly defected to the APM ahead of the 2027 elections

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, may officially throw his hat into the 2027 presidential race on Thursday, May 14, as political activities gather momentum ahead of a major rally scheduled for Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

The rally, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to serve as the formal unveiling of Makinde’s anticipated presidential ambition as well as a new political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State.

Sources within the PDP disclosed to ThePUNCH that the event would also feature the unveiling of several aspirants contesting for state and national offices under the APM platform.

In recent weeks, the state has witnessed a wave of defections and resignations involving political officeholders and aspirants moving from the PDP to the APM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among the prominent figures expected to emerge on the APM platform are former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, who is tipped as the party’s governorship candidate, alongside Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller, who are expected to contest senatorial seats.

Candidates seeking seats in the House of Representatives and Oyo State House of Assembly are also expected to be presented during the rally.

According to party insiders, the rally will be preceded by the signing of a political alliance agreement between leaders of the APM and a PDP faction led by Taminu Turaki.

A PDP source said, “We will sign forms of alliance with APM, involving its national chairman and our own side, led by Taminu Turaki.”

The source added, “Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the platform of the APM.”

Preparations for the rally have intensified, with political leaders and supporters from different parts of the country expected in Ibadan ahead of Thursday’s gathering.

Another source familiar with the plans said the event is expected to attract “political stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders, traditional supporters and allies from across the country,” particularly those aligned with Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.

Although Makinde has yet to publicly confirm his intention to run for president in 2027, support groups and loyalists have continued to pressure him to join the race.

Sources also revealed that grassroots mobilisation efforts and consultations are ongoing as part of a broader strategy to strengthen political structures within Oyo State and expand Makinde’s influence nationally.

Earlier in January 2026, following a meeting with Bola Tinubu, Makinde reiterated his commitment to the PDP and called for a bipartisan approach to governance, especially in addressing insecurity and poverty.

He, however, clarified that bipartisanship should not be interpreted as a move to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Jonathan says he will consult widely over possible 2027 presidential bid

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan had disclosed that he will undertake wide consultations regarding possible participation in the 2027 presidential election.

Jonathan made the remark while addressing a group of supporters who marched to his office urging him to contest the next presidential election.

According to him, only patriotic citizens can contribute positively to nation-building, while those who lack commitment to national development could undermine the country’s progress.