Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he will not attempt to control Bimbo Adekanmbi or operate as a political godfather if the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate succeeds him in 2027.
Makinde made the declaration during the Hijrah 1448 luncheon held for members of the Muslim community at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor said his priority at the end of his second term would be a peaceful transfer of power that allows the incoming administration to operate independently and remain accountable to residents of Oyo State.
Makinde Promises Independent Successor
Makinde said leadership should be centred on service to the public rather than an attempt by former office holders to retain control after leaving government.
He maintained that whoever succeeds him should be free to pursue policies and programmes considered beneficial to Oyo residents without interference from his administration.
Makinde, who has previously identified Adekanmbi as his preferred successor, said the APM candidate and his running mate would be answerable to the people if elected, rather than to him personally.
The governor is completing his second term in office and is due to leave the Oyo governorship in 2027.
Oyo Voters Urged to Focus on Competence
Ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, Makinde encouraged residents to assess candidates based on their competence, character and commitment to public service.
He urged voters not to allow ethnicity, religion or other sectional considerations to determine their political choices.
According to the governor, government should ultimately be evaluated by its impact on people’s lives and its ability to promote development.
Makinde also advised politicians seeking office to focus their campaigns on policies and programmes they intend to implement rather than making attacks against his administration the central theme of their campaigns.
Makinde Pledges More Projects Before Leaving Office
The Oyo governor said his administration would remain focused on completing ongoing projects and implementing additional programmes during its remaining months in office.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to development, peace and economic prosperity across the state until the completion of his tenure.
Makinde also thanked Oyo’s Muslim community for its support and contribution to peace and stability in the state.
He pledged that his administration would continue to promote inclusive governance and fairness among residents irrespective of religious or other differences.
Adekanmbi Promises Continuity
Adekanmbi, who is seeking to succeed Makinde on the APM platform, has pledged to build on programmes of the current Oyo administration if elected governor in 2027.
He has also been publicly presented by Makinde as his preferred candidate to take over the leadership of Oyo State.
The Hijrah event brought together Islamic clerics, Muslim leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to commemorate the Islamic New Year and offer prayers for Oyo State and Nigeria.
Makinde maintained that while he would support his preferred candidates ahead of the election, he would not establish a political godfather arrangement after leaving office.
