Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced plans to unveil his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election before the end of the first week of May, as consultations within political and stakeholder circles intensify.
The governor made this known in a newsletter released on Saturday, stating that he has been engaging widely with elders, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders as part of a deliberate decision-making process.
According to him, while a number of aspirants have emerged as strong contenders, he has yet to disclose his choice to anyone, dismissing circulating claims to the contrary as false.
Makinde emphasised the weight of responsibility attached to the decision, noting that the consultation process is aimed at ensuring the emergence of a credible successor.
Insiders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier indicated that a screening committee set up by the governor began interfacing with aspirants in late March. Among those reportedly in contention are Commissioner for Education Nureni Adeniran; Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; and federal lawmaker Adedeji Stanley Olajide.
On the issue of political platform, the governor said his next move would depend on the outcome of a pending ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria concerning the PDP. He assured that a clear direction would be communicated once the court delivers its judgment.
Makinde’s position comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 governorship race in the state.
Recent political tensions were heightened by allegations involving former First Lady Florence Ajimobi and Speaker Ogundoyin over an alleged plot against the governor—claims both parties have strongly denied. Ogundoyin, however, confirmed that he was approached with a monetary inducement, which he said he rejected outright, affirming his loyalty to the governor and the party.
In a related development, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose accused Makinde of plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, over his absence at a recent coronation ceremony.
Both the governor and the monarch dismissed the allegation through their aides, describing it as baseless and politically motivated.
With consultations ongoing and legal uncertainties surrounding the PDP yet to be resolved, attention remains firmly on Makinde’s anticipated announcement, which is expected to shape the trajectory of the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State.
