Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally entered the 2027 presidential race, unveiling a new political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in what could become one of the earliest major opposition coalitions ahead of the next general election.
Makinde made the declaration during a mega rally in Ibadan attended by thousands of supporters from both parties, describing the alliance as the beginning of a broader political movement aimed at “resetting Nigeria.”
The event followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PDP and APM at the PDP South-West Secretariat in Ibadan. The agreement was supervised by Makinde alongside APM National Chairman Yusuf Mamman Dantalle.
For many political observers, the development signals more than a presidential ambition. It reflects Makinde’s attempt to recreate the coalition strategy that helped him defeat the APC in Oyo State during the 2019 governorship election.
At the time, opposition figures and smaller parties including the ADC, SDP and ZLP united behind Makinde’s PDP candidacy, helping him overcome APC candidate Adebayo Adelabu with over 515,000 votes.
Now, the governor appears determined to expand that same model nationally as opposition parties seek ways to challenge the growing dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing supporters at the rally, Makinde warned that Nigeria’s democracy was under pressure due to what he described as increasing interference in opposition parties across the country.
“We have found ourselves at a point in our nation’s political history where the very foundations of democracy are being shaken,” he said.
He accused unnamed political actors of working toward a one-party system, insisting that democracy could only survive through healthy political competition.
“Without a multi-party system, there can be no true democracy,” the governor stated.
Makinde also tapped into growing public frustration over economic hardship, insecurity and rising living costs, issues expected to dominate political campaigns ahead of 2027.
“The economic and security situations continue to worsen, forcing the majority of Nigerians into survival mode on a daily basis,” he told the crowd.
The governor criticised political leaders who, according to him, treat public office as personal entitlement rather than a responsibility to citizens.
He further argued that opposition politics should no longer be seen as the responsibility of political parties alone but as a movement involving ordinary Nigerians struggling with the country’s current realities.
“The opposition in Nigeria is not limited to political parties alone. The opposition is every ordinary Nigerian for whom this country is no longer working,” Makinde declared.
One of the biggest moments of the rally came when the governor announced what he called the “Reset Nigeria Movement,” presenting it as the foundation for a wider national coalition ahead of 2027.
“This is the time for unity, one party at a time,” he said while urging opposition groups to work together against the APC.
Several opposition leaders who attended the event echoed similar concerns about the state of the nation.
Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola criticised the Tinubu administration over worsening economic conditions, saying Nigerians were promised prosperity but continue to face hardship.
“This was the purpose of the opposition summit in Ibadan — to chart a new course for the country,” Oyinlola said.
Despite the momentum generated by the rally, analysts believe Makinde faces a difficult political path. President Bola Tinubu remains a dominant force in the South-West, while building a nationwide coalition strong enough to challenge the APC will require support from northern and southern political blocs.
Still, Makinde’s early declaration has already shifted attention toward the emerging battle for opposition unity ahead of 2027.
