–We’re tackling economic hardship, political instability — Gov Makinde

—We’re not part of agreement — Mohammed

By Teddy Oscar Chukwugekwu

The political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections was thrown into confusion on Thursday as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State unveiled a new alliance between the Tanimu Turaki led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) at a mega rally in Ibadan, only for the Wike-led faction to disown the event.

Thousands of supporters gathered at Mapo Hall, Ibadan for what was billed as the “Ibadan Mega Rally: PDP & APM – Grand Alliance for a New Vision.”

At the event, Governor Makinde formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election and introduced the “Reset Nigeria Movement,” a coalition he said would challenge the current direction of governance and resist attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

Addressing the crowd, Makinde said the alliance was formed to tackle economic hardship, political instability and governance challenges.

He urged Nigerians to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future rather than remain passive observers.

“The time has come for citizens to confront the country’s challenges with courage and determination,” he said.

The rally, attended by party loyalists and political associates from across Oyo State and beyond was presented as the official launch of a shared roadmap focused on transformative governance and collective prosperity.

As party members were gathering in Ibadan for the rally, the Abdulraman Mohammed-led PDP national leadership distanced the party from the gathering.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed said the PDP was not part of any alliance, coalition or agreement with the APM or any other party regarding the Ibadan event.

“Any person or group claiming to be acting on behalf of the PDP in connection with this event is doing so without the knowledge, approval, consent or authority of the party,” Mohammed told journalists.

He described the alliance as “another desperate attempt by Gov. Seyi Makinde and his associates to mislead the public and manufacture a false impression of political relevance and support.”

Mohammed insisted that the PDP remained strong, united and prepared for the 2027 elections, pointing to ongoing screening exercises for governorship and presidential aspirants at the party’s annex office in Abuja.

Mohammed said, “Let us state clearly and unequivocally that the PDP is not part of any alliance, coalition, agreement, or political arrangement with the APM or any other political party regarding this gathering or any related political activity.

“Any person or group claiming to be acting on behalf of the PDP in connection with this event is doing so without the knowledge, approval, consent, or authority of the party.

“What is being presented to Nigerians as a political alliance is nothing more than another desperate attempt by Gov. Seyi Makinde and his associates to mislead the public and manufacture a false impression of political relevance and support.

“On the contrary, the PDP is today conducting its screening exercise for governorship and presidential aspirants at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, the annex office of our national headquarters.

“This is coming after yesterday’s successful completion of the States and National Assembly Screening exercise across the country,” he said.

Mohammed advised both Makinde and Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State to accept the reality, saying their movement to APM had exposed their alleged attempts to destroy the PDP.

He urged the media and the public to be guided by the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment, insisting that the Mohammed-led NWC remained the recognized PDP leadership.

He added that INEC had verified the current NWC.

The Ibadan rally has highlighted the deepening crisis within the PDP, with parallel factions laying claim to the party’s structure.

While Makinde and his allies push ahead with the “Reset Nigeria Movement” alongside the APM, the leadership maintains that no such alliance exists and has vowed to pursue legal and political action.

Observers say the development could trigger further realignments as the 2027 political season approaches.