Makinde made the declaration during a political rally held at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan on Thursday, May 14th. where he addressed supporters and political stakeholders amid growing conversations around opposition coalition ahead of the next election cycle.

The Oyo governor reportedly announced his ambition while unveiling what he described as the “Reset Nigeria Movement,” a political agenda focused on economic reforms, institutional rebuilding, job creation, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and national unity.

According to reports, Makinde declared:

“I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The declaration comes amid a newly formed alliance between factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a coalition expected to play a major role in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of 2027.

Meanwhile, the move has already sparked reactions across the political space. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly dismissed Makinde’s presidential ambition, describing it as “dead on arrival.”

Makinde, who has served as governor of Oyo State since 2019, is widely regarded as one of the prominent figures within the PDP and among younger-generation political leaders in Nigeria.