Politics
Makinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has declared that competence and loyalty to the state, rather than personal allegiance to him, will determine who succeeds him in the 2027 governorship election.
Makinde made the statement on Sunday at the 12th ‘Omituntun’ Annual Ramadan Public Lecture held at the Ibadan North Local Government Motor Park, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.
The governor said his position was shaped by conversations with some of his colleagues who allegedly handed over power to individuals they considered loyal, only to be disappointed after they assumed office.
“I have been talking to quite a number of my colleagues, and they said the person they handed over power to got to office and started misbehaving,” Makinde said.
“I asked them how they chose the person, supported him, but he changed when he got to the office. The common thread has been that they installed someone whom they felt would be loyal to them.”
He stressed that Oyo State would not follow such a path.
“Today, I have made up my mind that whoever would emerge as my successor would be based on competence and loyalty to Oyo State, not to Seyi Makinde,” he said.
Makinde also warned against a return to political violence in the state, urging residents and political actors to place peace above partisan interests.
“Moving forward, we don’t want to return to the period of political violence, irrespective of party affiliations. So, please keep praying that whoever would become the next governor should be loyal to the state,” he added.
Highlighting the achievements of his administration, the governor said loyalty to the state had guided policy decisions and financial commitments. According to him, his government has paid over ₦25bn to offset outstanding gratuities inherited from previous administrations.
He disclosed that the monthly gratuity payment had been increased from ₦1bn to ₦3bn, with a commitment to ensure that no retiree would be owed by May 2027.
Makinde also listed the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international status as a major milestone. He expressed optimism that Hajj pilgrims would be airlifted from the facility by May 2026.
The governor appreciated the Muslim community for its support since he assumed office in 2019 and appealed for sustained prayers for his administration.
To commemorate the Ramadan lecture, Makinde donated seven buses to mosques across the state and presented a brand-new SUV to the guest lecturer, Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi, popularly known as Ami Olohun.
In his lecture on contentment, Sanusi commended the administration’s developmental strides, cautioned against “mischievous people,” and urged residents to embrace contentment, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking at the event, a former governor of the state and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, described Ramadan as a season of perseverance, sacrifice and spiritual renewal.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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