Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, while also unveiling a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM).
Makinde made the declaration during a mega rally held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, to commemorate the alliance between the two political parties.
The governor also announced the birth of what he described as the “Reset Nigeria Movement,” calling on Nigerians dissatisfied with the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to unite and work towards rescuing the country.
According to him, the alliance between the PDP and APM would allow both parties to jointly field candidates for positions ranging from the State House of Assembly to the Presidency in the 2027 general elections.
“Today, history is being made. I pronounce today the birth of the Reset Nigeria Movement. The time to reset Nigeria is now,” Makinde declared.
“Therefore, today, I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will witness the rebirth of a new nation from May 29, 2027.”
The governor accused the APC-led Federal Government of worsening the nation’s economic and security challenges, while also attempting to weaken opposition parties in pursuit of a one-party state.
He said Nigerians had been pushed to the wall by hardship and poor governance, stressing that the opposition was no longer limited to political parties alone but included ordinary citizens affected by the current situation in the country.
Makinde urged Nigerians to reject political apathy and actively participate in the democratic process to ensure a better future for the country.
He also charged opposition political parties to unite ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the PDP-APM alliance as a model for broader collaboration among opposition groups.
Earlier, leaders of both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the PDP South-West Secretariat, Soji Adagunodo House, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, as part of ongoing coalition and realignment efforts ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Dr Eddy Olafeso, commended Makinde for fostering unity among political leaders and for his leadership style in Oyo State.
Also speaking, former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and the PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Chief Ali Odefa, said the alliance became necessary due to what they described as the failure of the APC government to fulfil its campaign promises.
According to them, Nigeria could not afford to operate a one-party system, noting that opposition parties were now coming together to provide an alternative platform for Nigerians.
The National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuff Mamman Dantalle, and the party’s National Secretary, Hon. Oyadeyi Ayodele, also expressed confidence that the alliance would help reposition Nigeria.
The rally and signing ceremony were attended by several party leaders, government officials and political stakeholders, including Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; former Speaker, Monsurat Sunmonu; and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi, among others.
