The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday, 14 May, at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid.
The rally will serve as the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and candidates aligned with the emerging coalition being championed by the governor and his loyalists.
Competent sources said on Tuesday that preparations for the rally have intensified amid growing political realignments within Oyo State and the wider South-West region.
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.
Political observers said that the moves are part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots structures across Oyo State and beyond while consolidating Makinde’s growing influence within the national political space.
Sources revealed that consultations among stakeholders have accelerated in recent weeks following unresolved internal disputes within the PDP at the national level, prompting several loyalists and political actors to begin exploring alternative political arrangements.
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 Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.
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.
