Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his ambition for the 2027 presidential election during a political rally scheduled for Thursday at Mapo Hall in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The event, known as the Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026, is also expected to mark the beginning of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State.
Preparations for the rally have already gathered momentum, with political leaders, supporters and party members from different parts of the country expected in Ibadan ahead of the event.
Sources within the PDP said discussions between the APM leadership and a faction of the PDP linked to Taminu Turaki would also lead to the signing of an agreement to strengthen cooperation between both groups.
The planned rally is expected to feature the unveiling of several politicians who recently left the PDP for the APM ahead of the 2027 elections. Among those expected to appear under the APM platform are former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance Bimbo Adekanmbi, who is linked to the governorship race, as well as Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller for senatorial positions. Candidates seeking seats in the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly are also expected to be introduced during the event.
Political sources said the rally is part of a wider plan to build stronger grassroots support across Oyo State and beyond. The moves are also said to be connected to growing calls from supporters and political groups urging Makinde to join the 2027 presidential contest.
Although the governor has not officially announced his intention to run for president before now, supporters have continued consultations and mobilisation efforts across different regions. Sources familiar with the arrangements said youth groups, community leaders and political allies who support Makinde’s leadership style are expected to attend the rally in large numbers.
The development comes months after Makinde restated his loyalty to the PDP following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu earlier in 2026.
At the time, the governor said cooperation across political parties on issues affecting Nigerians should not be mistaken for defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress.