Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that federal might will not influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the Oyo State tourism summit held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, the governor expressed optimism that Nigerians would vote for leaders of their choice regardless of political influence.
He said: "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."
The governor added that citizens are ready to take an active role in the democratic process. He stated: "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."
On the issue of governance and his eventual departure from office, Makinde explained that his administration has established structures to ensure continuity. While he intends to recommend a successor, he maintained that the people of the state will make the final determination. He cautioned that choosing an incapable candidate would have lasting consequences for the state.
He said: "I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state. 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."
Addressing speculations that he might back a former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanbi, the governor stated that his priority is capacity and loyalty to the state rather than party affiliations. This comes after the Speaker of the Oyo House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, mentioned leading lawmakers to a strategic meeting with Adekanmbi, who was described as the consensus candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement.
Responding to the rumors, Makinde said: "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."
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