Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has openly declared Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Makinde made the declaration on Thursday during the official unveiling of Adekanmbi as the APM consensus governorship candidate in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The governor’s endorsement comes amid weeks of speculation over his alleged backing of the APM candidate following growing political cooperation between the Peoples Democratic Party and the APM in the state.
The speculation intensified on May 14 after Makinde announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
At a recent joint mega rally organised by the PDP and APM in Ibadan, Makinde and Adekanmbi were seen seated together alongside officials of both parties, fueling discussions about a possible political alliance.
Speaking during Thursday’s event, the governor thanked supporters for backing his administration and the emerging political arrangement in the state, whesuggested could later extend to the national level.
“I am here to tell you all two things. First, I want to thank you for your support towards this administration and also for the current political arrangement in Oyo State, which will also go national very soon,” Makinde said.
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Referring to his administration’s “Omituntun” agenda, the governor presented Adekanmbi’s emergence as a continuation of his governance style.
“You have tasted Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0. Is it sweet, or not? This is Omituntun 3.0,” he stated as both men raised their APM face caps before cheering supporters.
Makinde also advised Adekanmbi not to inherit his political enemies but to build his own relationships while sustaining the achievements of the current administration.
“I have told Bimbo, don’t inherit my enemies; chart your own path. I’m only human, and I make mistakes, just like everyone else,” the governor said.
“He should improve on the good things we have done for the benefit of the people of Oyo State.”
The endorsement is expected to reshape the political landscape in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly amid ongoing alignments between opposition parties and influential political figures across the country.