• Makinde to declare presidential ambition, unveil PDP-APM alliance May 14
A Federal High Court in Abuja will today deliver judgment on the case instituted by the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), praying for consequential orders to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the group as a political party.

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition tomorrow, during a major political rally at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
 
Peeved by the non-registration of ADA, the national secretary, Dr Umar Ardo, accused INEC of double standards, lamenting that while ADA met all the requirements, the electoral body recognised the other associations and abandoned it.

The event, tagged ‘Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026’, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), as well as candidates aligned with the emerging coalition being championed by the Oyo governor and his loyalists.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed yesterday that preparations for the rally had intensified amid growing political realignments within Oyo and the wider South-West region.

Grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of Governor Makinde are reportedly making strategic moves, as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.

Political observers maintained that the moves were part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots structures across Oyo and beyond while consolidating Makinde’s growing influence within the national political space.

The May 14 rally is expected to attract political stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders, traditional supporters and allies from across the country, particularly individuals believed to align with Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.

Although Makinde has yet to make an official public statement regarding his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, support groups and political associates have continued to intensify calls for him to join the race.