Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Thursday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying Nigeria urgently needs a “reset” to address worsening economic hardship and political instability.
Makinde made the declaration during a mega rally held in Ibadan to announce a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM).
Addressing supporters at the rally, the governor expressed concern over the declining living conditions of Nigerians and called for stronger opposition unity ahead of the next general elections.
According to him, the country’s democratic system cannot thrive without a vibrant multi-party structure.
“Without a multi-party system, there is no democracy,” Makinde said. “The opposition is the everyday Nigerian. This is the time for all of us to ensure Nigeria works for us.”
The governor said Nigerians must move from being passive observers to active participants in shaping the nation’s future.
“This is the time to confront our fears. It is time to engage as citizens and not spectators,” he stated.
Makinde also urged opposition parties across the country to close ranks and work together in what he described as a collective effort to rebuild Nigeria.
“For the opposition political parties, this is the time to unite and work together to give our nation the much-needed reset,” he said.
Announcing the new PDP-APM alliance, the governor described Ibadan as “the city of warriors” and said the coalition would field candidates from the presidency down to state Houses of Assembly positions.
“The time to reset Nigeria is now,” he declared. “The first grand alliance has been formed. This handshake will allow us to field candidates from the presidency to the state Assembly.”
Makinde then capped his speech with a formal declaration of his presidential ambition.
“And so, I declare my candidacy for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he announced to loud cheers from supporters.
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