Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM).

Mr Makinde made the declaration on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during a joint mega rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Responding to inquiries about such a reported political arrangement, Wike described the notion as the “imagination of certain politicians” and a “419” scheme, asserting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also recognizes no such coalition.

His strong remarks come amid ongoing political maneuvers and a palpable leadership crisis within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike further elaborated on his stance, stating that the PDP had already issued a press statement disavowing any alliance with the APM or any other political party.

He pointed to the ongoing screening of aspirants by a faction of the PDP as an indication that the party is operating independently, questioning how an alliance could exist if the PDP is preparing to submit its own presidential candidate to INEC.

The former Rivers State governor also took aim at Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of allegedly using the APM platform to pursue his presidential ambition, which Wike declared as “dead on arrival.”

He also noted that Bala Mohammed made no mention of such an alliance when he joined the political movement.

Regarding Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, Wike stated he was not aware of any unpleasant experience Fubara might be having in his party, as Wike is not a member of it, preferring to focus on problems within his own PDP.

Contrasting Wike’s denials, Makinde officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.

Makinde made this significant announcement at a mega rally held at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital.

During the rally, he unveiled a grand alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which he branded the “Reset Nigeria Movement.”

In his declaration, Makinde stated, “Therefore, today, I Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He explained that the formation of this alliance was a direct response to an alleged plot to impose a one-party system on Nigeria.

Seyi urged Nigerians to confront their fears and actively participate in addressing the socioeconomic and political challenges facing the country, advocating for citizen engagement rather than passive observation.

The rally, which drew a large crowd of supporters, stakeholders, and political allies, marked a pivotal moment in the unfolding political realignments and positioned Makinde as a significant contender in early calculations for the 2027 presidential race within the PDP and broader coalition platforms.

The controversy surrounding the PDP-APM alliance first gained traction after a faction of the PDP, reportedly led by Kabiru Turaki, announced a political understanding with the APM, claiming it would enable the opposition to field candidates across the country in 2027.

Makinde had subsequently declared interest in the presidential race and reportedly backed this arrangement as a viable political vehicle.

This latest public disagreement between Wike and Makinde’s camps highlights a worsening leadership crisis within the opposition as the nation gears up for the 2027 elections.