In a major political move that has sent shockwaves through both the ruling party and the opposition, Governor Seyi Makinde has officially named Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
Adekanmbi, who served as the Commissioner for Finance under the administration of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, represents a cross-party choice that marks a significant shift in the state’s traditional political landscape.
The Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Michael Ogunshina, confirmed the development during an exclusive phone conversation on Wednesday night. According to Ogunshina, the decision emerged following intensive high-level consultations involving key stakeholders across the state.
“Yes, it is confirmed, the governor has announced him,” Ogunshina stated, putting to rest weeks of speculation regarding who Makinde would back to succeed him.
In addition to the governorship pick, Governor Makinde has reportedly finalized the party’s senatorial lineup for the 2027 polls, tapping prominent figures from across various political backgrounds:
- Oyo South: Hon. Dhikirulah Stanley Adedeji (popularly known as Odidiomo).
- Oyo North: Hon. Shina Abiola Peller.
- Oyo Central: Amb. Ajadi Olufemi Oguntoyinbo.
The choice of Adekanmbi is particularly striking given his deep ties to the late Ajimobi’s APC-led administration. Political analysts suggest that Makinde may be attempting to build a “mega-coalition” by integrating technocrats and influential figures from rival camps to ensure the PDP retains its hold on the Pacesetter State.
While Governor Makinde has yet to hold a formal press conference to present these candidates to the general public, the confirmation by the party’s spokesperson has already ignited fierce debate within PDP internal circles and the opposition. Stakeholders are now closely watching to see how the “old guard” of the PDP reacts to a successor who was once a key player in the opposition’s cabinet.
With these early announcements, the race for Agodi Government House in 2027 has effectively begun, signaling a strategy of early consolidation by the Makinde administration.
