By Our Correspondent

National News – Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement.

The announcement was made at a political rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid growing political realignments ahead of the next general elections.

Makinde, while addressing supporters and party loyalists, said he was ready to contest for the presidency to offer Nigerians a new direction.

According to him, the move followed consultations with political stakeholders and members of a faction within the Peoples Democratic Party.

“I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, hereby announce my candidacy for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor declared during the rally, drawing loud cheers from supporters gathered at the historic venue.

The declaration came shortly after Makinde led the Taminu Turaki-led PDP faction in Oyo State into a strategic alliance with the APM.

The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Makinde and APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle.

Under the political agreement, candidates from the PDP faction seeking elective offices such as governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats are expected to contest on the APM platform during the 2027 elections.

Political observers say the alliance could reshape the political landscape in Oyo State and strengthen emerging coalition efforts ahead of the presidential race.

The development has also sparked fresh conversations about possible defections and power blocs within opposition politics.

Makinde’s presidential ambition now places him among the early contenders positioning for the 2027 election cycle, as political activities continue to gather momentum across Nigeria.