Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made at a grand rally of the PDP–APM Alliance held in Ibadan on Saturday.
Speaking before a crowd of party members, supporters, and political stakeholders, Makinde said the decision followed months of consultation with leaders across the country.
He framed the move as a response to calls from Nigerians seeking experienced leadership to address the country’s economic and security challenges.
“I have heard you. I have listened to the voices of Nigerians from the North to the South, East to the West.
After wide consultation and careful consideration, I am declaring my intention to run for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” Makinde told the rally.
The event, organized under the PDP–APM Alliance banner, drew attendees from Oyo and neighboring states.
Party chieftains, youth groups, and traditional leaders were present, with many expressing support for the governor’s ambition.
Makinde used the platform to highlight his record in Oyo State, pointing to investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agribusiness as evidence of his capacity to govern at the federal level.
He also criticized what he described as policy inconsistencies and rising hardship under the current administration, saying Nigeria needs “competence, inclusivity, and a government that listens.”
Makinde, a two-term governor of Oyo State, is one of the prominent figures in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He first gained national attention during the 2019 elections and has since been seen as a key voice within the opposition. His declaration makes him one of the early entrants into the 2027 presidential race, which is expected to be competitive across party lines.
Political analysts say his campaign will likely focus on youth engagement, economic reforms, and restructuring debates, themes he has spoken about repeatedly in public forums. His base in the Southwest and his influence within the PDP give him an initial foothold, though securing the party’s ticket will depend on internal negotiations and the broader political alignment ahead of 2027.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has not yet released the timetable for the 2027 general elections. Party primaries and formal campaigns are expected to begin closer to the election cycle.
For now, Makinde’s declaration sets the tone for early political mobilization in Oyo and signals the start of what is likely to be a drawn-out contest for Aso Rock in 2027….See More
