Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says Nigerians will decide the outcome of the 2027 elections without being influenced by federal power.
Governor Makinde spoke on Wednesday at the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre.
“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.”
The governor also spoke about succession plans in Oyo State, saying his administration had built systems that would continue after his tenure.
According to him, although he would recommend a successor, the people of the state would decide who becomes the next governor.
“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo State people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo State,” he said.
Makinde warned against electing a candidate who lacks the ability to govern, saying the effects of poor leadership could last for years.
“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,” he added.
There have been speculations that Makinde may support former Oyo commissioner for finance Bimbo Adekanbi as his preferred governorship candidate.
The discussion gained attention after Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin said lawmakers met with Adekanbi, whom he described as the consensus governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.
Responding to the speculation, Makinde said his support would go to anyone loyal to Oyo State and capable of governing, regardless of political party.
“For us, if you’re from Oyo State, loyal to Oyo State, and have capacity, we will support you,” he said.
Seyi Makinde also said his administration was focused on building systems that future governments could continue with instead of starting afresh.
