Governor Seyi Makinde Declares 2027 Presidential Bid, Calls for National ‘Reset’

Juliet Oladele, Reporting

IBADAN – Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has formally thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that Nigeria stands in urgent need of a “reset” amid worsening insecurity, economic hardship and mounting political tensions.

The governor made his announcement on Thursday at a Unity Mega Rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, an event organised to formalise a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM).

Governor Makinde characterised the new partnership as the foundation of a broader opposition coalition in the run-up to the 2027 general elections, warning that Nigeria risks sliding into a one-party state unless opposition parties unite.

Addressing party faithful, supporters and political stakeholders, the governor argued that the nation’s democratic framework was under significant threat.

“Without a multi-party system, there is no democracy. Where is our multi-party system? Where do we go from here?” he asked.

He went on to lament the economic and security challenges currently confronting Nigerians, noting that many citizens have been forced into “survival mode.”

“We have been pushed to the wall. The calculated self-opposition cannot unite, but I am here to say the opposition is the everyday Nigerian. This is the time to engage as citizens, not spectators,” he said.

‘The Time To Reset Nigeria Is Now’

Governor Makinde called on opposition political parties to close ranks and work collaboratively to deliver what he described as “the reset Nigeria needs.”

“For the opposition political parties, this is the time to unite and work together in unity to give our nation the reset it needs. The time to reset Nigeria is now,” he added.

Describing Ibadan as the “city of warriors,” the governor said the PDP-APM alliance signalled the beginning of a fresh political direction and disclosed that the coalition would field candidates for all elective positions, from the presidency down to state assemblies.

“And so, I declare my candidacy for the office of the President of Nigeria,” Makinde announced to loud cheers from supporters.

Alliance Formalised

Earlier in the day, leaders of both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the PDP Secretariat, Adagunodo House, Ibadan, formally sealing the alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the rally, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, described the gathering as “historic,” expressing optimism that the partnership would bolster the party’s electoral prospects.

Leaders of the APM, including the party’s National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Naman Dantale, and National Secretary, Ayodele Oyadeyi, also called for urgent political reforms, citing rising insecurity, economic hardship and the growing difficulties faced by Nigerians in accessing quality education and healthcare services.