Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that “federal might” will not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that Nigerians will independently choose their leaders at the polls.
Makinde made the remarks on Wednesday during the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre.
The governor said Nigerians were becoming more politically conscious and would no longer remain passive participants in the democratic process.
“I believe that this election cycle, federal might will not work. It has worked in Ekiti state in both instances but this time around, Nigerians will show politicians pepper.
“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying,” he stated.
Speaking on succession plans in Oyo State, Makinde said his administration has focused on building enduring systems that would outlive his tenure in office.
He explained that while he may recommend a preferred successor, the final decision would rest with the people of the state.
“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state,” he said.
The governor warned against electing leaders without the competence required to govern effectively, noting that poor leadership decisions could negatively affect the state for years.
“But if you make a mistake and bring someone who will not do good work, it is a one-day event, but the impact will last four years.
“So, we must get it right. Leadership changes but systems, they endure. So, our focus has been deliberate,” he added.
Makinde’s comments come amid growing speculation that he may support former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanbi, as his preferred governorship candidate ahead of the next election cycle.
The speculation intensified after Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, disclosed that lawmakers held what he described as a “strategic breakfast meeting” with Adekanbi, whom he referred to as “the consensus gubernatorial candidate of our new party in the State Allied Peoples Movement.”
Responding to the reports, Makinde maintained that his support would go to any candidate who demonstrates loyalty to Oyo State and possesses the ability to move the state forward, regardless of political affiliation.
“People said ‘oh, so Seyi, you did not mentor anyone these seven years you have been in government that can take over from you without the taint of APC’? And I ask them that Morohunkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanbi, are they not from Oyo State? For us, if you’re from Oyo state, loyal to Oyo state, and have capacity, we will support you. We are blind to party colouration but open to capacity that can move Oyo state forward,” the governor said.
Makinde further stated that Oyo State has progressed beyond simply identifying opportunities and is now focused on establishing structures capable of sustaining long-term economic growth and development.
