Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that federal influence will not decide the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that Nigerians will freely choose their leaders.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Oyo State Tourism Summit, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Makinde said citizens are becoming increasingly politically conscious and will no longer remain passive during elections.
“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 no longer wish to be bystanders. They will participate, and I am certain of what I say.”
The governor also addressed governance continuity in Oyo State beyond his tenure, noting that structures have been put in place to ensure stability. While he may recommend a successor, he stressed that the final decision rests with the people.
“I tell people that I will recommend someone to the people of Oyo State, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo State,” Makinde said.
He warned residents against backing any candidate lacking the competence to govern effectively, cautioning that poor leadership could have lasting consequences.
“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 endure. Our focus has been deliberate,” he added.
Speculation has mounted that Makinde may back a former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanbi, as his preferred governorship candidate. The talk intensified after the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, revealed that lawmakers held a strategic breakfast meeting with Adekanbi, whom he called the “consensus gubernatorial candidate” of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.
Responding to succession discussions, Makinde said his support would go to any candidate loyal to Oyo State and capable of governing effectively, regardless of political party affiliation.
“People said, ‘Oh, so Seyi, you did not mentor anyone in these seven years you have been in government that can take over from you without the taint of the APC?’ And I ask them: Morohunkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanbi—are they not from Oyo State?” he said.
“For us, if you are from Oyo State, loyal to Oyo State, and have capacity, we will support you. We are blind to party colouration but open to capacity that can move Oyo State forward.”
—
SEO Keywords used naturally: 2027 elections, Nigerian voters, Makinde news, Oyo State governor, political consciousness, federal might, succession politics, good governance Nigeria.
Meta description (suggested): Governor Makinde says Nigerians will “show politicians pepper” in 2027 as federal might crumbles. Read more on Elanza News.
Let me know if you’d like a version with a punchier social-media caption or a different headline angle.
