Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement.

The governor made this known at a rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital, amid a growing political realignment in the state involving factions of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, Excellency, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Addressing supporters at the rally, Makinde formally signalled his entry into the presidential race, a move expected to reshape political discussions within the opposition camp as consultations and alignments intensify ahead of party primaries and broader electoral strategies.

The rally, held amid heightened political activity within the opposition space, attracted supporters in their numbers, many of whom described the declaration as a defining step in the Oyo governor’s national political journey.

Political observers say the announcement positions Makinde among the leading contenders in early calculations for the 2027 presidential race, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party and emerging coalition platforms.

The PDP–APM Alliance rally also served as a platform for showcasing political unity among participating groups, with leaders at the event calling for stronger coordination and collaboration ahead of future elections.

Supporters at the venue expressed excitement following the declaration, describing it as a bold step that signals renewed momentum within the opposition camp.

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Makinde had earlier led the Taminu Turaki faction of the PDP in Oyo State to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the APM as part of a strategic alliance for the forthcoming elections.

The governor and the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, signed the agreement on behalf of both parties.

Under the agreement, candidates of the PDP faction contesting for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats are expected to run on the platform of the APM rather than the PDP in the 2027 elections.