The event, titled “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to mark the formal unveiling of Makinde’s presidential ambition, alongside the announcement of a political partnership between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State.
Sources revealed that the rally will also feature the presentation of several aspirants contesting for state and federal elective positions under the APM platform.
This development follows a series of resignations by political officeholders in the state, especially those eyeing positions in the 2027 general elections, from the PDP to the APM.
Among the politicians expected to emerge under the APM are former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, who is tipped as the party’s governorship candidate, while Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller are expected to contest senatorial seats.
Candidates for both the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly are also expected to be introduced during the rally.
Ahead of the event, leaders of the APM and the Taminu Turaki-led faction of the PDP are reportedly set to sign an alliance agreement outlining the terms of their political collaboration.
A senior PDP insider told Naijastreetmatters that the alliance documents would be endorsed by representatives of both parties, adding that Governor Makinde is expected to announce his presidential ambition on the APM platform.
Preparations for the rally have already intensified, with political leaders and supporters from different parts of the country expected to arrive in Ibadan from Wednesday.
Another source disclosed that the gathering is likely to attract political stakeholders, youth groups, traditional supporters, community leaders and allies who identify with Makinde’s political style and leadership approach.
Although Makinde has yet to publicly confirm his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, loyalists and support groups have continued to push for his entrance into the race.
Grassroots mobilisers and political associates are also said to be building wider political structures as consultations continue nationwide.
According to insiders, the latest political moves are part of a larger strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots influence within and outside Oyo State while boosting Makinde’s national political profile.
Recall that after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in January 2026, Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and called for bipartisan cooperation in addressing national issues such as insecurity and poverty.
He, however, clarified that supporting bipartisan governance does not amount to defecting to the ruling APC.
