Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday during a major political rally scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall.
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is also expected to witness the unveiling of a political alliance involving the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples’ Movement, alongside other candidates believed to be aligned with the coalition being promoted by the governor and his loyalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed on Tuesday that preparations for the rally had intensified amid ongoing political realignments within Oyo State and across the South-West region.
It was gathered that several political associates, grassroots mobilisers and loyalists of the governor had begun strategic consultations aimed at strengthening support structures ahead of the planned declaration.
The development is believed to be part of broader efforts to consolidate Makinde’s political influence within the national space while expanding grassroots networks beyond Oyo State.
Findings also revealed that consultations among stakeholders gained momentum in recent weeks following unresolved internal issues within the PDP at the national level, with some political actors reportedly exploring alternative alliances ahead of 2027.
The rally is expected to attract political stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders and supporters from different parts of the country, particularly those believed to share the governor’s political ideology and leadership approach.
Although Makinde has yet to publicly confirm his intention to contest the presidency, support groups and loyalists have continued to intensify calls urging him to join the 2027 presidential race.
The planned unveiling is expected to further reshape political calculations within the opposition camp as permutations ahead of the next general election continue to gather momentum.
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