Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may formally announce his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election during a major political rally scheduled to hold on Thursday at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The rally, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to mark a significant political moment in the state as preparations intensify for what many political observers believe could become the official launch of Makinde’s presidential campaign ahead of the next general elections.
The event is also expected to feature the formal unveiling of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State.
Political sources familiar with the arrangements disclosed that the governor is expected to use the occasion to formally declare his intention to seek the presidency under the platform of the APM as part of a broader political realignment ahead of 2027.
The rally is anticipated to attract political stakeholders, traditional leaders, youth groups, supporters and party loyalists from across Oyo State and other parts of the country.
Apart from the expected presidential declaration, Makinde is also expected to unveil several aspirants seeking elective offices at both state and national levels on the platform of the APM.
Among those reportedly expected to be unveiled are former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, who is expected to emerge as the party’s governorship candidate.
Others expected to be presented include Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller, who are expected to contest senatorial seats under the APM platform.
Candidates for the House of Representatives and Oyo State House of Assembly are also expected to be unveiled during the rally.
The planned declaration follows weeks of political tension and strategic defections within Oyo State politics, particularly among political officeholders and aspirants preparing for the 2027 elections.
In recent months, several politicians reportedly resigned from the PDP and moved to the APM, especially individuals believed to be loyal to Makinde’s political structure.
The defections fuelled speculations that a major political realignment was underway in the state ahead of the next election cycle.
Sources within the PDP disclosed that the rally would also feature the formal signing of an alliance agreement between leaders of the APM and the faction of the PDP reportedly aligned with former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki.
According to a senior PDP source, the alliance arrangement is expected to strengthen the political coalition backing Makinde’s anticipated presidential ambition.
“We will sign forms of alliance with APM, involving its national chairman and our own side, led by Tanimu Turaki,” the source said.
“Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the platform of the APM,” the source added.
Preparations for the rally have reportedly intensified across Ibadan and surrounding areas, with political leaders and supporters expected to begin arriving in the state ahead of the event.
Another source familiar with the arrangements disclosed that extensive mobilisation efforts had already commenced among grassroots supporters and political associates loyal to the governor.
“The May 14 rally is expected to attract political stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders, traditional supporters and allies from across the country, particularly individuals believed to align with Governor Makinde’s leadership style and political vision,” the source stated.
The source further noted that although the governor had not publicly declared his presidential ambition, several support groups and political associates had intensified campaigns urging him to contest.
“Although the governor is yet to make an official public statement regarding his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, support groups and political associates have continued to intensify calls for him to join the race,” the source added.
Political observers believe the rally could become a major turning point in the build-up to the 2027 presidential contest, particularly within opposition politics.
Makinde has increasingly been mentioned among potential presidential contenders following his rising political profile and influence within national politics.
His administration in Oyo State has attracted attention from supporters who describe him as one of the more visible governors in the country, particularly in areas relating to infrastructure, education and governance reforms.
The governor has also maintained a growing national political presence through strategic alliances and engagements across party lines.
Sources close to the governor said the current political moves form part of a broader strategy aimed at consolidating grassroots structures not only within Oyo State but also across other regions of the country.
According to them, consultations are ongoing as part of efforts to build a wider political coalition ahead of the next presidential election.
“Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of the governor are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum,” one source disclosed.
The source added that the ongoing mobilisation efforts were designed to strengthen Makinde’s political influence and position him as a major national figure ahead of 2027.
The latest developments come months after Makinde reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP following a January 2026 meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
At the time, the governor emphasised the need for a bipartisan approach to governance, particularly in addressing major national challenges such as insecurity, poverty and economic hardship.
Despite his earlier comments, the emerging alliance with the APM and the planned rally have intensified speculations that significant political changes may be unfolding within his camp ahead of the 2027 elections.
As anticipation builds ahead of Thursday’s rally, political observers across the country are expected to closely monitor developments at Mapo Hall, where Makinde’s next political move could reshape opposition politics and influence the emerging dynamics of the 2027 presidential race.
