THUR MAY 14 2026-theGBJournal| The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has formally declared his intention to contest for the presidency, unveiling what he described as a national rescue mission to “reset Nigeria and restore hope to the people.”
Makinde made the declaration on Thursday at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan during the highly attended Unity Mega Rally jointly organised by the Peopoes Democratic Party (PDP) and Allied People’s Movement (APM) as well as political stakeholders under a broad coalition platform.
The event drew thousands of supporters, party loyalists, youth groups, labour advocates, civil society actors and political leaders from across the country, underscoring growing momentum around efforts to build a formidable alliance ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The Oyo governor said his presidential ambition was driven not by personal ambition or political entitlement, but by what he termed the urgent necessity to rescue Nigeria from worsening economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and deepening social disillusionment.
Addressing a charged crowd amid chants of solidarity and calls for national rebirth, Makinde declared that Nigeria was in dire need of visionary leadership capable of restoring public confidence, rebuilding institutions and repositioning the country for inclusive growth and stability.
According to him, millions of Nigerians are losing faith in the promise of the nation as inflation, rising living costs, unemployment and insecurity continue to erode livelihoods and weaken national cohesion.
He argued that the country requires a leadership reset anchored on competence, accountability, fiscal discipline and people-focused governance, insisting that the next phase of Nigeria’s development must prioritise productivity, economic expansion, industrial growth, education and social protection.
Makinde pointed to his administration’s record in Oyo State as evidence that prudent management, infrastructure renewal, improved internally generated revenue and targeted investments in education, healthcare and agribusiness can produce measurable results even in difficult economic conditions.
The governor further positioned himself as a bridge-builder capable of uniting diverse political interests and regional blocs, stressing that the emerging coalition behind his aspiration transcends party lines and reflects a broader national consensus for change.
Political observers described the rally as one of the earliest large-scale coalition mobilisations ahead of the 2027 elections, with the gathering signalling increasing efforts among opposition figures to consolidate forces against the ruling establishment.
The event also highlighted the growing strategic importance of the South-West in the unfolding political calculations for 2027, particularly as conversations intensify around generational leadership change, economic recovery and national restructuring.
Makinde’s declaration is expected to trigger wider consultations within opposition circles and potentially reshape alignments across the country as political actors begin positioning for what is already shaping up to be a fiercely contested presidential race.
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