Oyo 2027: Makinde may pick Adekanmbi, adopt ADP

In Oyo State, the political landscape is abuzz with speculation surrounding Governor Seyi Makinde's strategic maneuvers for the 2027 governorship election. Indications are strong that Makinde has settled on Bimbo Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance, as his chosen successor. This decision, if finalized, signals a significant shift in the state's political alliances and power dynamics, as Adekanmbi previously served under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration, a figure from a rival political party.

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We are going to the ADP, and Bimbo Adekanmbi shall be our candidate.

Furthermore, the governor's political machinery appears poised to embrace the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as its new vehicle for contesting elections. This potential party switch suggests a calculated move to consolidate support and navigate the complexities of the electoral terrain under a fresh banner. The move is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing internal discussions and consultations within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, with party stalwarts awaiting Makinde's official declaration.

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Governor Makinde will tomorrow (Thursday) unveil his preferred consensus candidate. The venue is unknown to me as we speak.

The governor is expected to unveil his preferred candidate and party platform imminently, possibly within the next 48 hours. This period of anticipation highlights the governor's deliberate approach to solidifying his political legacy and ensuring continuity of his administration's agenda. The selection of Adekanmbi, who officially joined the PDP in December 2025 and declared his governorship ambition in April 2026, points to a long-term grooming process. The governor's consultations with elders, lawmakers, and local government chairmen underscore the importance of building consensus and securing broad-based support before the official announcement, a common practice in Nigerian politics to ensure party cohesion.

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The preferred candidate has met with party stakeholders, Oyo Assembly stakeholders, prominent individuals within and outside Ibadan, and the 33 local government chairmen in the state.