OYO state governor, Seyi Makinde has declared Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
News Point Nigeria reports that the declaration appears to have ended weeks of speculation surrounding Makinde’s alleged endorsement of Adekanmbi.
Rumours about the governor’s support for the APM candidate intensified on May 14 after Makinde announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
At a joint mega rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party and the APM in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Makinde and Adekanmbi were seen sitting together alongside top officials of both parties.
The speculation gained further momentum on Thursday during Adekanmbi’s official unveiling as the APM consensus governorship candidate, where Makinde openly declared him as his preferred successor.
Addressing supporters at the event, the governor thanked residents for their continued support for his administration and the political arrangement currently operating in the state.
“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.
Referring to his administration’s “Omituntun” agenda, the governor asked supporters if they had enjoyed the achievements recorded under his leadership.
“You have tasted Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0. Is it sweet, or not? This is Omituntun 3.0,” he declared as he and Adekanmbi raised their APM face caps before jubilant supporters.
Makinde also advised Adekanmbi not to inherit his political enemies but to chart an independent course 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 stated.
“He should improve on the good things we have done for the benefit of the people of Oyo state,” Makinde added.
