IBADAN, NIGERIA — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections, launching his campaign under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Makinde made the announcement before a massive crowd of supporters during a “Unity Mega Rally” at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan. The bold move alters the landscape for the main opposition forces and strikes a direct blow to the political calculations of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s camp.
The Mapo Hall Declaration
The declaration follows a newly sealed political alliance between the APM and a powerful faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Prior to the rally, leaders from both sides formalised the partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the PDP Southwest Zonal Secretariat.
“Nigeria cannot continue with politics as usual,” Makinde told the cheering crowd. “This is the time to reset our nation, rebuild public trust, strengthen institutions, and create a system that works for all Nigerians.”
Under the terms of the newly birthed “Reset Nigeria Movement,” the coalition plans to field joint candidates across all elective positions nationwide, spanning from the state assemblies up to the presidency. Makinde stated that the alliance is a strategic necessity to prevent the country from sliding into an oppressive one-party state under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku’s Camp Under Fire
Makinde’s official entry into the race under the APM banner leaves Atiku Abubakar’s political camp facing severe pressure from multiple fronts:
- Shattered VP Ticket Plans: Prior to the declaration, widespread discussions and backroom negotiations had focused on positioning Seyi Makinde as a potential vice-presidential running mate to Atiku for a unified 2027 ticket. Makinde’s entry as a direct presidential candidate completely destroys those arrangements.
- Loss of the South-West Base: By securing a joint PDP-APM platform in the South-West, Makinde effectively walls off a critical geopolitical voting bloc. This stops Atiku from consolidating Southern opposition votes and forces his team into a difficult three-way regional battle.
- Opposition Fragmentation: With Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso consolidating their base under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Makinde leading the APM-PDP alliance, Atiku’s camp is isolated, struggling to maintain its status as the primary face of national opposition.
