Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has publicly identified Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 election.
The declaration came on Thursday during the official unveiling of Adekanmbi as the consensus governorship candidate of the APM in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Speculation about Makinde’s support for Adekanmbi had circulated in recent weeks. The discussions gained momentum after the governor announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on May 14.
At a joint rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM in Ibadan, Makinde and Adekanmbi appeared together alongside leaders and supporters of both parties.
While addressing supporters at the event, the governor praised residents for backing his administration and the current political alliance in the state.
“I am here to tell you all two things. First, I want to thank you for your support towards this administration and also for the current political arrangement in Oyo state, which will also go national very soon. You have tasted Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0. Is it sweet, or not? This is Omituntun 3.0,” Makinde said as he and Adekanmbi raised their APM face caps before jubilant supporters.
Makinde also advised Adekanmbi to pursue his own leadership direction rather than continue political disputes associated with his administration.
“I have told Bimbo, don’t inherit my enemies; chart your own path. I’m only human, and I make mistakes, just like everyone else,” Makinde said.
“He should improve on the good things we have done for the benefit of the people of Oyo state.”
