“Makinde to APM?” — Growing Political Signals Fuel Fresh Defection Rumours Ahead of 2027
Political conversations across Oyo State and beyond have intensified following growing rumours that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may be preparing to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For months, the speculation remained quiet whispers in political circles. But recently, observers say the signs are becoming harder to ignore. Posters, underground mobilization, strategic meetings, and increasing visibility of APM structures across parts of the South-West have continued to fuel conversations that a major political realignment may already be underway.
Although Governor Makinde has not officially confirmed any plan to leave PDP, many insiders insist the move is no longer a matter of “if” but “when.”
Several reports from Nigerian political platforms this week claimed that some loyalists and political associates linked to Makinde have allegedly begun distancing themselves from the PDP structure in Oyo State. The reports also suggest that a fresh political coalition may be quietly taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among the parties being heavily linked to the alleged movement is Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a relatively smaller political party that has remained strategically relevant in South-West politics since the 2019 election season.
Despite the growing rumours, it is important to state clearly that there has been no official public declaration from Governor Makinde confirming his defection from PDP to APM.
In fact, earlier in 2026, Makinde publicly dismissed reports suggesting he was planning to abandon PDP, insisting he remained committed to the party. However, Nigeria’s political landscape is known for sudden alignments, last-minute negotiations, and strategic defections, especially as election cycles approach.
The rumours gained even more momentum following the prolonged internal crisis rocking the PDP at the national level. From leadership disputes to growing disagreements among influential stakeholders, analysts believe the instability within the opposition party may eventually push several top politicians into alternative platforms before 2027.
Political observers also point to the recent wave of defections and coalition talks happening across Nigeria as evidence that many politicians are already repositioning for the next electoral battle.
While APM may not currently rank among Nigeria’s biggest political parties, it has maintained quiet influence in certain regions, particularly due to its historical association with former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.
Although no individual officially owns APM, many Nigerians politically associate the party with Amosun because of his role during the 2019 Ogun governorship crisis. At the time, several of his loyalists moved into the party following disagreements within the All Progressives Congress (APC). APM also became the platform used by Amosun-backed governorship candidate, Adekunle Akinlade.
Officially, APM remains a registered political party supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and managed by its national leadership structure. The party is currently led by National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, alongside National Secretary, Oyadeyi Ayodele Adebayo.
Still, political analysts believe that if Makinde eventually joins APM, it could significantly reshape the political equation in Oyo State and possibly strengthen coalition efforts against both PDP and APC ahead of 2027.
For now, however, the situation remains in the realm of strong speculation rather than verified political fact.
But one thing is clear: the conversations are getting louder, the political movements are becoming more visible, and Nigerians are watching closely to see whether Governor Seyi Makinde will eventually make what could become one of the biggest political moves ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the tension within PDP continues and coalition talks dominate national politics, many believe the coming months may finally reveal the true direction of Makinde’s political future.
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