Makinde’s Presidential Move Sparks Tension As New Political Coalition Emerges

The event, themed “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to mark the formal unveiling of Makinde’s anticipated presidential ambition.

The rally is also expected to feature the announcement of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State.

Party sources disclosed that aspirants contesting various state and national elective positions under the APM platform would be formally presented during the gathering.

The planned unveiling follows the recent defection of several political officeholders in Oyo State from the PDP to the APM, especially those preparing to contest in the 2027 elections.

Among those expected to emerge at the rally is former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, who is tipped to become the APM governorship candidate.

Other expected aspirants include Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller, who are believed to be seeking senatorial tickets on the platform of the party.

Candidates for the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly are also expected to be introduced.

Insiders revealed that the rally would be preceded by the formal signing of an alliance agreement involving leaders of the APM and the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP.

A source within the PDP familiar with the arrangement said representatives of both parties would endorse the alliance documents.

“We are entering into an alliance with the APM involving its national leadership and our own side led by Tanimu Turaki,” the source said.

“The governor will also formally announce his presidential ambition on the platform of the APM.”

Preparations for the rally have reportedly intensified, with political stakeholders and leaders from both camps expected to begin arriving in Ibadan from Wednesday.

Another source disclosed that the event is likely to attract political allies, youth organisations, traditional supporters and key stakeholders from across the country.

Although Governor Makinde has yet to publicly confirm his intention to run for president in 2027, support groups and loyalists have continued mounting pressure on him to join the race.

Sources further revealed that consultations and grassroots mobilisation have intensified as part of wider political efforts aimed at strengthening Makinde’s influence on the national political stage.

The strategy is also believed to be targeted at reinforcing political structures within Oyo State and across other parts of the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

The latest political development comes months after Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in January 2026.

At the meeting, the governor advocated bipartisan cooperation in addressing national challenges such as insecurity and poverty, while clarifying that such cooperation did not imply plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).