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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said political influence from the national level would not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that Nigerians would freely choose their leaders.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, Makinde said the era when national might could decide election outcomes was gradually fading.
The governor noted that although such influence had played a role in previous elections in Ekiti State, he believed Nigerians were now more politically conscious and prepared to shape the electoral process actively.
According to him, citizens would no longer remain passive observers during elections but would participate fully and hold politicians accountable through their votes.
“I believe that this election cycle, federal might will not work. It has worked in Ekiti state in both instances but this time around, Nigerians will show politicians pepper,” he said.
“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying.”
Makinde also spoke on the future of governance in Oyo State after the end of his administration, stating that his government had focused on building structures capable of ensuring continuity beyond his tenure.
He said while he could recommend a successor, the final decision on who becomes the next governor would rest with the people of the state.
The governor, however, warned against electing individuals without the competence to govern, saying poor leadership choices could negatively affect the state for years.
“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state,” he said.
“But if you make a mistake and bring someone who will not do good work, it is a one-day event, but the impact will last four years.
“So, we must get it right. Leadership changes but systems, they endure. So, our focus has been deliberate.”
Makinde stressed the need for Oyo residents to make careful decisions in the next election cycle, adding that while political leaders may change, strong institutions and systems should endure.
Speculations have continued over who will be chosen as Makinde’s preferred successor, with reports linking former Oyo Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanbi, to the race.
Adekanbi previously served under the administration of late former governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Wednesday, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, disclosed that lawmakers held a strategic meeting with Adekanbi, whom he described as the consensus governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.
Oyo remains the only state currently controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West, despite ongoing internal disputes within the party involving factions loyal to Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Responding to questions about succession plans, Makinde said he was open to supporting any candidate with the capacity to govern effectively and demonstrate loyalty to the development of Oyo State, regardless of political background.
He added that his administration was more interested in competence and commitment to the state than political affiliations.
The governor further stated that his administration was focused on laying a durable foundation that future governments could strengthen instead of abandoning existing structures and starting afresh.
According to him, Oyo State had moved beyond merely identifying opportunities and was now concentrating on creating sustainable systems capable of driving long-term growth and development.
