Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, unveiling a new political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) aimed at challenging the ruling party at all levels.
Makinde made the declaration during a massive unity rally held at Mapo Hall, where supporters of both parties gathered in what organisers described as a historic political movement.
The rally came shortly after leaders of the PDP and APM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the PDP Southwest Zonal Secretariat in Ibadan, sealing an agreement to work together ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing thousands of supporters, Makinde warned against what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties and steer Nigeria toward a one-party system.
“In the past few years, we have found ourselves at a point in our political history where the very foundation of democracy is being shaken,” he said.
“We have witnessed continuous meddling in the affairs of opposition parties with the aim of taking Nigeria to a one-party system. Without a multi-party system, there is no democracy.”
The governor also criticised the current economic and security conditions in the country, saying many Nigerians have been pushed into “survivor mode” due to worsening hardship and insecurity.
Makinde said the newly formed alliance would field candidates for all elective positions, from the presidency down to state assembly seats.
“Today, history is being made,” he declared. “I pronounce today the birth of the Reset Nigeria Movement (RNM).”
In a major announcement that drew loud cheers from supporters, the governor said:
“Today, I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will witness the rebirth of a new nation from May 29, 2027.”
Makinde called on opposition parties and Nigerians to unite in order to restore democratic values and provide an alternative leadership for the country.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, said the alliance became necessary due to the nation’s worsening socio-economic challenges.
“Nigeria, as the largest democracy in Africa, is being ridiculed from the claws of oppression,” Dantalle said.
“We have to rescue Nigeria in the interest of Nigerians by shunning religious and ethnic divisions.”
Also speaking at the event, the Oyo PDP factional chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, described the alliance as a merger of purpose and vision, expressing confidence that the coalition would produce presidents, governors and lawmakers in 2027.
Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who attended the rally, blamed the current administration for failing to fulfil promises made to Nigerians.
“What brought us to this point is the failure of the government to deliver on key promises such as electricity and infrastructure,” Oyinlola said.
The PDP-APM alliance is expected to form part of a broader opposition coalition strategy in the Southwest ahead of the 2027 elections.