Governor Seyi Makinde is set to take a major political step on Thursday as indications emerged that he may officially declare his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election during a large political rally in Ibadan.
The rally, scheduled to hold at Mapo Hall in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, is being organised under the banner of “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026.”
Political sources within the state said the gathering is expected to mark the formal unveiling of Makinde’s presidential ambition ahead of the next general election.
The event is also expected to witness the public unveiling of a new political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State.
Sources familiar with the arrangement disclosed that several politicians who recently left the PDP for the APM would be formally presented during the rally. Many of them are expected to contest elective positions in 2027 under the APM platform.
Among those expected to emerge at the event are former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, who is being tipped as the governorship candidate of the APM. Former federal lawmakers Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller are also expected to be unveiled as senatorial candidates.
Candidates for the House of Representatives and the Oyo State House of Assembly are equally expected to be introduced to supporters and party stakeholders at the rally.
Party insiders said the political gathering would be preceded by the signing of an alliance agreement involving leaders of the APM and a PDP bloc believed to be loyal to former presidential aspirant Taminu Turaki.
A senior PDP source familiar with the discussions said the agreement would define the terms of cooperation between both camps ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the source, “We will sign forms of alliance with APM, involving its national chairman and our own side, led by Taminu Turaki.
“Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the platform of the APM.”
Preparations for the rally intensified on Wednesday, with supporters, political associates and party loyalists already arriving in Ibadan from different parts of the country.
Another source involved in the mobilisation said the rally was expected to attract youth groups, community leaders, grassroots supporters and political stakeholders who have continued to push for Makinde’s entry into the presidential race.
The source explained that although the governor had yet to publicly confirm his presidential ambition, consultations and underground political moves had continued to gain momentum in recent months.
According to the source, several support groups loyal to Makinde have intensified mobilisation efforts across different states while political structures are being quietly strengthened ahead of 2027.