The “Ibadan Handshake” as Makinde Declares for Presidency and PDP, APM Seal Alliance
Nigeria’s political landscape took a dramatic turn on May 14, 2026, as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde formally declared his intention to contest in the 2027 presidential election. The announcement, made in Ibadan, has already begun to reshape conversations around the next general election.
The declaration took place during a well-attended “Unity Mega Rally” at the historic Mapo Hall. The event drew party loyalists, political stakeholders, and supporters from across the South-West and beyond. It was not just a campaign launch but also the unveiling of a strategic political alliance between a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The combination of a presidential declaration and an inter-party agreement made the event one of the most significant political developments in recent months.
A New Political Direction: PDP and APM Alliance
At the center of the rally was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the PDP faction aligned with Makinde and the APM. The agreement signals a deliberate attempt to strengthen opposition politics ahead of 2027.
Under the terms of the agreement, candidates associated with Makinde’s PDP bloc may run on the APM platform when necessary. This arrangement is widely seen as a strategic response to the lingering internal disputes within the PDP, which have created uncertainty around party structure and legitimacy.
The MoU was signed by Seyi Bamidele, representing the PDP faction, and Oladele Oyadeji on behalf of the APM. The signing was witnessed by Governor Makinde and APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, giving the agreement both political weight and symbolic importance.
Beyond the presidential race, the alliance is expected to extend across all levels of elections. Both parties indicated plans to present a unified list of candidates for governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly seats. This suggests a long-term collaboration rather than a one-off electoral arrangement.
Observers say the alliance reflects a growing recognition among opposition figures that fragmented efforts may not be enough to challenge the dominance of the ruling party.
Read more on: Trillions in the Ground, Still Searching for Bars As NCC Reveals Telcos’ N2.5tn Infrastructure Gamble
“It is Time to Reset Nigeria”
In his address to the crowd, Governor Makinde positioned his candidacy as a response to the current challenges facing the country. Speaking with confidence, he framed the 2027 election as an opportunity for national renewal.
“I, Seyi Makinde, hereby announce my candidacy for the office of the President of Nigeria under the PDP/APM Alliance in 2027. We have been spectators for too long; the time to reset Nigeria is now.”
His speech focused on governance, economic direction, and the role of citizens in shaping the country’s future. He argued that Nigeria needs a more functional multi-party system where opposition voices are not weakened by internal divisions or structural limitations.
Makinde also emphasized the need to move away from what he described as surface-level governance and toward policies that deliver tangible economic benefits. According to him, governance should prioritize production, job creation, and national competitiveness rather than rhetoric.
He repeatedly highlighted the importance of citizen participation, stating that ordinary Nigerians must no longer remain passive observers in the political process.
Internal Tensions: The Wike Influence
Despite the momentum generated by the Ibadan rally, the development has also brought attention to ongoing divisions within the PDP. The party has been grappling with internal disagreements, and Makinde’s move appears to deepen existing fault lines.
A rival faction associated with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has already begun its own political activities, including the screening of aspirants. This parallel structure reflects the extent of the division within the party.
Reacting to the Ibadan event, PDP National Spokesperson Jungudo Mohammed dismissed the gathering, describing it as the work of an “impostor group.” His statement underscores the likelihood of prolonged legal and political battles over who controls the party’s identity and structure.
These disputes could have significant implications for the 2027 elections, particularly if they remain unresolved close to the nomination period.
Read more on: Iran Carries Out Execution of 32-Year-Old Accused of Spying for Israel
Strategic Implications for 2027
The Ibadan declaration is widely viewed as one of the earliest major political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election. By entering into an alliance with the APM, Makinde appears to be preparing for multiple scenarios.
Political analysts describe this as a calculated move. If the PDP crisis persists or leads to legal complications, the APM platform provides an alternative route for contesting elections without disruption.
This dual-platform strategy may also influence how other political actors approach alliances in the coming months. It raises the possibility of more cross-party collaborations as politicians seek to secure their chances in an increasingly competitive environment.
In addition, the move could reshape opposition politics by encouraging unity among smaller parties and factions that might otherwise struggle independently.
The Role of Ibadan in the Political Landscape
The choice of Ibadan as the venue for both the declaration and the alliance announcement carries symbolic significance. Historically known for its political relevance in the South-West, the city is now being positioned as a center of renewed political activity.
Supporters at the rally described the event as the beginning of a broader movement, with Ibadan serving as its foundation. The turnout and energy at Mapo Hall reinforced the perception that the city could play a central role in the unfolding political contest.
Read more on: Court Slams Ex-Power Minister Mamman with 75-Year Jail Term
Key Highlights from the Rally
Several important points emerged from the event:
- A commitment to building a broad-based political alliance beyond traditional party boundaries
- A strong message emphasizing citizen participation and national ownership
- A strategic plan to navigate internal party challenges through collaboration
- The positioning of Ibadan as a key hub in the political buildup to 2027
Looking Ahead
As political activities gradually intensify, the declaration by Governor Makinde has added a new dimension to the 2027 race. While it is still early, the combination of ambition, alliance-building, and strategic planning suggests that the contest may be more dynamic than previously expected.
The coming months will likely see reactions from other political actors, including the ruling party and rival opposition groups. Legal battles within the PDP, the strength of the new alliance, and public reception will all play crucial roles in shaping the outcome.
For now, one thing is clear. The race toward Aso Rock has begun to gather momentum, and Seyi Makinde has positioned himself as one of the early contenders to watch.
Read more on:
