By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Thursday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying Nigeria urgently requires a political and economic “reset” amid worsening insecurity, economic hardship and rising political tension across the country.

Makinde made the declaration at a Unity Mega Rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, organised to formalise a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples’ Movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor described the alliance as the foundation of a broader opposition coalition aimed at preventing Nigeria from drifting into what he termed a one-party state.

Addressing party supporters, stakeholders and political leaders at the rally, Makinde expressed concern over the state of the nation’s democracy, warning that the weakening of opposition politics posed a serious threat to democratic governance.

“Without a multi-party system, there is no democracy. Where is our multi-party system? Where do we go from here?” he asked.

Makinde lamented the prevailing economic difficulties and worsening security situation in the country, saying many Nigerians had been pushed into survival mode.

“We have been pushed to the wall. The calculated self-opposition cannot unite, but I am here to say the opposition is the everyday Nigerian. This is the time to engage as citizens, not spectators,” he said.

He called on opposition parties across the country to set aside differences and work together in what he described as a national effort to rescue Nigeria.

“For the opposition political parties, this is the time to unite and work together in unity to give our nation the reset it needs. The time to reset Nigeria is now,” he added.

Describing Ibadan as the “city of warriors,” the governor said the PDP–APM alliance signalled the beginning of a new political movement, adding that the coalition would present candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, governorships, National Assembly and state assemblies.

“And so, I declare my candidacy for the office of the President of Nigeria,” Makinde announced to loud cheers from party faithful and supporters at the rally.

Earlier in the day, leaders of both parties formally sealed the alliance through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the PDP Secretariat, Adagunodo House, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, described the gathering as historic, expressing confidence that the alliance would strengthen the opposition’s electoral prospects ahead of the next general elections.

Leaders of the APM, including the party’s National Chairman, Yusuf Naman Dantale, and National Secretary, Ayodele Oyadeyi, also called for urgent political and economic reforms.

They cited growing insecurity, rising poverty and increasing difficulties faced by Nigerians in accessing quality healthcare and education as reasons for the opposition parties to collaborate in pursuit of national renewal.