Makinde Set To Reveal Ex-Commissioner As Preferred Successor Choice

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is reportedly set to unveil former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

According to Punch, consultations within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have intensified, with indications that Makinde and a bloc of his loyalists may be considering the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as a possible political platform for the next election cycle.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that Adekanmbi’s emergence gained strong momentum on Wednesday following extensive consultations with key political stakeholders across Oyo State. The process reportedly involved engagements with party leaders, members of the state House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and influential figures within and outside Ibadan.

One source was quoted as saying, “We are going to the ADP, and Bimbo Adekanmbi shall be our candidate. Governor Makinde will tomorrow (Thursday) unveil his preferred consensus candidate. The candidate has met with stakeholders, lawmakers, council chairmen, and respected elders across the state.”

The consultations were said to have included meetings with an elders’ council, Oyo State legislators, and chairmen of the 33 local government areas, with discussions focused on building consensus ahead of a formal announcement.

It was further gathered that Governor Makinde had earlier mandated the state advisory council, headed by Bolaji Ayorinde, to engage all governorship aspirants within the PDP. The council reportedly held separate sessions with contenders to assess their visions and policy proposals for the development of the state.

Other aspirants who reportedly participated in the consultations include House of Representatives member Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board Nureni Adeniran, Chairman of the Agribusiness Development Agency Debo Akande, and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin.