Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition at a mega rally scheduled for Thursday at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is widely anticipated to serve as the official launch of Makinde’s reported bid for the 2027 presidential election, alongside a new political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.
According to political sources, the rally will also feature the unveiling of candidates for various elective positions under the APM platform, including aspirants for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly seats.
Among those expected to be presented are former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as the governorship candidate, alongside Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi, and Shina Peller for senatorial positions.
The development follows a wave of political realignments and resignations from the PDP to the APM by several officeholders and political actors ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources familiar with the arrangement say the rally will be preceded by a formal agreement between leaders of the APM and a faction of the PDP led by Taminu Turaki, outlining the terms of their alliance.
One source said the governor would use the occasion to officially declare his presidential intention on the APM platform, although Makinde has not yet publicly confirmed his candidacy.
Seyi Makinde recently reiterated his commitment to the PDP after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January 2026, while also advocating bipartisan cooperation on national issues such as security and poverty reduction.
Supporters and political associates have continued to intensify calls for him to enter the presidential race, with mobilization efforts reportedly gaining momentum across various regions.
Preparations for the rally have intensified, with political stakeholders, youth groups, traditional leaders, and supporters expected to converge in Ibadan for the high-profile event.
The move is seen as part of broader efforts to consolidate Makinde’s influence within Nigeria’s evolving national political landscape.
