PDP, APM coalition deny candidate unveiling ahead of Ibadan rally

The organisers of the proposed coalition rally involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) have clarified that no candidate will be unveiled at Thursday’s Unity Mega Rally in Ibadan, insisting that the event is strictly a demonstration of unity, solidarity, and political strength among opposition forces.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Media and Publicity Committee of the Grand Alliance Unity Mega Rally ahead of the gathering scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall on May 14, 2026.

According to the organisers, rumours suggesting that the rally would be used to present or endorse candidates for future elections were false and misleading, stressing that all aspirants under the coalition arrangement would emerge only through lawful and democratic primary elections.

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The statement noted that the alliance partners had jointly agreed that any candidate to emerge on the platform of the coalition would do so strictly in line with mutually agreed procedures and timelines yet to be announced.

“Until such processes are formally activated and concluded, there shall be no unveiling, announcement, or endorsement of candidates by the alliance or any of its affiliated structures,” the statement said.

The organisers added that the coalition remained committed to transparency, fairness, internal democracy, and due process, describing credible democratic procedures as the foundation for sustainable political cooperation and electoral legitimacy.

They explained that the Unity Mega Rally, scheduled to commence at 10 a.m., forms part of ongoing consultations and grassroots mobilisation efforts aimed at strengthening opposition cooperation and deepening democratic engagement ahead of future electoral contests.

The rally is expected to bring together party supporters, youth groups, women’s organisations, civil society stakeholders, and other supporters of democratic ideals from across Oyo State and beyond.

According to the statement, the event is designed to strengthen inter-party cooperation, mobilise supporters, promote peaceful political participation, and reinforce the resolve of the coalition to build what it described as a more responsive and people-driven political alternative.

The organisers also urged attendees to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the event.