2027: Makinde declares interest in presidential race

By Olusesan Laoye

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, ending months of speculation over his political ambition ahead of the next general elections.

Makinde made the declaration at a mega rally held at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where supporters and political associates had gathered amid expectations that he would unveil his preferred governorship aspirant for the state.

Instead, the governor stunned the crowd when he announced his readiness to seek the presidency in 2027.

According to him, after weighing various political options and consultations, he could no longer ignore calls from supporters urging him to join the presidential race.

Makinde said he would contest under what he described as a “Grand Alliance” involving the Allied People’s Movement and the People’s Democratic Party.

The declaration is expected to reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly within the opposition camp where internal crises and defections have continued to weaken the PDP.

Political observers noted that Makinde’s announcement appears to signal a major shift away from the troubled PDP structure, especially after the governor had earlier positioned loyalists on the platform of the Allied People’s Movement for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly contests ahead of the elections.

Makinde now becomes one of the first prominent southern politicians to openly signal interest in challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

The Oyo governor has long been regarded as one of the influential figures within the PDP and was previously linked with internal reform efforts in the party alongside other governors.

His latest move is also expected to deepen conversations about the future of the PDP and the possible emergence of new political alliances before 2027.

Observers believe the development could place fresh pressure on allies and rivals within the opposition, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose political camp has remained at odds with sections of the PDP leadership.

Makinde, often described by supporters as a strategic and unconventional politician, has built a reputation for taking independent political decisions despite internal party pressures.

His declaration is also seen as ending speculations that no major South-West politician outside the ruling APC would be willing to challenge Tinubu for the presidency.

Political analysts say the governor’s entry into the race could alter political alignments and trigger fresh negotiations among opposition blocs ahead of the 2027 polls.