Governor Seyi Makinde will formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday, 14 May, during a major political rally scheduled to be held at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
The “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026” event is expected to serve as the official launch of Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, as well as the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), as well as candidates aligned with the emerging coalition championed by the Oyo State governor and his loyalists.
According to sources acquainted with the situation, preparations for the rally have escalated as political realignments in Oyo State and the larger South-West area continue.
Several grassroots activists, political associates, and Makinde supporters are reportedly making strategic maneuvers as discussions about a bigger political system continue to gain traction.
Political experts believe the initiatives are part of a larger campaign to develop grassroots structures throughout Oyo State and beyond, as well as to consolidate Makinde’s growing influence in national politics.
According to sources familiar with the conversations, stakeholder consultations have intensified recently as a result of unresolved internal disagreements within the PDP at the national level, forcing numerous loyalists and political actors to consider alternate political structures.
The May 14 event is scheduled to bring together political players, youth organizations, community leaders, traditional supporters, and allies from around the country, particularly those who are believed to support Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.
Although Makinde has yet to make an explicit public statement about his plan to run for president in 2027, supporters and political allies have increased their appeals for him to do so.
