Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Allied People’s Movement (APM). The declaration took place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Ibadan, marking a significant departure from his current party, the PDP, for his presidential ambitions.
Makinde’s announcement was centered on the launch of the “Reset Nigeria Movement,” a nationwide initiative aimed at rebuilding public trust and strengthening national institutions. During the declaration, he unveiled a dedicated campaign website to drive grassroots mobilization and volunteer registration across the country and the diaspora. By choosing the APM platform, Makinde is positioning himself as a leader capable of uniting a “grand alliance” of opposition forces to provide a viable alternative in the 2027 polls.
Key Highlights of the Declaration
- The “Reset Nigeria” Agenda: Makinde’s platform focuses on eight core pillars: economic growth, job creation, education, healthcare, infrastructure, power sector reforms, security, and institutional strengthening.
- A “Grand Alliance”: The governor announced a strategic partnership between the APM and a faction of the PDP, suggesting that this “handshake” will allow the coalition to field candidates “from top to bottom” in the coming elections.
- Call for Competence: In his speech, he argued that Nigeria can no longer afford “politics as usual,” emphasizing that the country needs a system that works for the everyday Nigerian who currently feels “pushed to the wall.”
- Political Realignment: The move highlights the deepening fracture within the PDP leadership, as Makinde’s choice of the APM serves as a strategic hedge against internal party crises while maintaining his executive influence.
