Governor Seyi Makinde has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, further reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
Makinde made the announcement on Thursday during a unity rally jointly organised by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement at Mapo Hall.
The rally was organised to formalise the alliance between the two political parties amid growing opposition coalition talks ahead of 2027.
During his address, Makinde called on opposition figures across the country to unite against what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress to steer Nigeria toward a one-party system.
According to the governor, Nigeria’s democratic space can only remain healthy if opposition parties are allowed to operate freely without interference.
Makinde argued that the country’s political environment no longer guarantees a level playing field for opposition groups.
He also urged Nigerians to become active participants in the democratic process rather than remaining “spectators and bystanders,” expressing confidence that collective political participation could produce what he described as a national reset in 2027.
“Is this the way we are to continue as a nation?” Makinde asked while addressing concerns over economic hardship, insecurity and pressures facing opposition politics in the country.
The event attracted political stakeholders, party supporters and allies as preparations for the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum.
Makinde was first elected governor of Oyo State in 2019 on the platform of the PDP and secured re-election in 2023 under the same party.
His declaration comes shortly after Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed reportedly left the PDP for the APM and announced plans to contest for the Bauchi South Senatorial seat.
The latest developments signal intensifying political realignments among opposition figures as parties strategise ahead of the next election cycle.
