Makinde declares presidential ambition as PDP, APM unveil alliance

As permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather traction, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Presidential election.

This is as the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) formalised a political alliance between the two parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a unity rally jointly organised by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Ibadan, Governor Makinde expressed worry growing attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to turn Nigeria into a one-party State, urging opposition political parties and Nigerians to unite against the move.

He maintained that Nigeria no longer operates a democracy without a political landscape that guarantees a level-playing field for opposition parties free from interference by the ruling party.

While saying that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat as a result of what he termed systematic efforts to weaken opposition parties across the country, he insisted that democracy could only thrive where there is a vibrant multi-party structure that guarantees fairness and equal participation.

“A true democracy must operate through a vibrant multi-party structure where different voices and ideas can coexist for the benefit of the people. So, Nigerians must stop remaining spectators and bystanders in the nation’s political affairs and instead actively participate in shaping the country’s future”, he said.

Expressing concern over the Country’s worsening economic and security conditions, the governor stated that millions of Nigerians are currently facing severe hardship under the present administration.

According to him, at the same time, the economy and security situation continue to deteriorate, placing enormous hardship on millions of Nigerians. The responsibility of any Government is to look after the welfare and well-being of its citizens, but many Nigerians are struggling daily under the present realities.

The opposition movement being built ahead of the 2027 elections, he pointed out, was not merely about political parties but about the welfare and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.

“The real opposition is made up of ordinary Nigerians whose aspirations and welfare must come first. Political parties and stakeholders who truly care about the future of this country must work together to provide a credible alternative for the people,” he added.

Calling on Nigerians, especially young people, to rise above political apathy and participate actively in democratic processes aimed at rescuing the country from what he described as poor governance and democratic decline.

“This is the time for all of us to rise above political apathy and actively engage in the democratic process to ensure that Nigeria works for everyone.
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“Do not be afraid. This is the time to mobilise our people, engage our citizens and strengthen democratic participation across the country.

The governor described Ibadan as the foundation of a broader political alliance among progressive-minded Nigerians stressing that the coalition would work towards rebuilding public confidence and delivering hope from the grassroots level to higher levels of governance.

“This alliance is focused on building confidence among Nigerians and providing hope from the grassroots to all levels of governance, from local councils to state assemblies and beyond. I am proud to be part of this movement because I believe a better Nigeria is possible for all of us,”.

Dayo Ogungbenro, Oyo State PDP Chairman, described the gathering as “the beginning of new things,” expressing confidence that the alliance would reshape the country’s political landscape.

Yusuf Dantale, National Chairman of APM, said there was need for an urgent change in the status quo in the Country, citing insecurity, kidnapping, harassment, and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians to pay school fees and access basic healthcare as reasons to rescue Nigeria in the interest of Nigerians.

The National Chairman of the APM, however, commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s performance in Oyo State and urged Nigerians to support leaders committed to national development and democratic growth.