•PDP-APM Alliance to be Unveiled May 14
The political landscape in Nigeria is set for a major shift as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State prepares to formally declare his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. The declaration, which has been the subject of intense speculation, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 14, at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to serve as more than just a declaration of intent; it will function as the official launchpad for a formidable political coalition. Highly placed sources revealed to our correspondent that the rally will witness the unveiling of a strategic alliance between a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM).
This alliance, reportedly spearheaded by Governor Makinde and his core loyalists, is seen as a calculated move to build a “Third Way” or a reinforced structure capable of navigating the current volatility within the national PDP.
Preparations for the rally have reached a fever pitch. In Ibadan, the state capital, grassroots mobilisers and political associates have begun a massive “house-to-house” sensitization. Sources close to the Governor’s inner circle disclosed that the May 14 date was chosen to coincide with a broader consultative framework involving key stakeholders across the South-West and the six geopolitical zones.
“The Governor is not just running for himself; he is responding to a national vacuum,” a source familiar with the development stated. “The coalition with the APM is a strategic necessity. It provides a platform for those who feel marginalized by the current national leadership of the PDP while ensuring the Governor’s vision for a modern Nigeria has a viable vehicle.”
Political observers note that the choice of Mapo Hall is deeply symbolic. As the traditional seat of political power in Yorubaland, the venue signals Makinde’s intent to first consolidate his home base before venturing into the national arena.
While the Governor has maintained a diplomatic silence regarding his 2027 plans, the sheer scale of the upcoming rally—expected to attract youth groups, traditional leaders, and political heavyweights from across the country—suggests that the “Makinde for President” machinery is now fully operational.
