Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that he will unveil his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election before the end of the first week of May, amid growing political activities in the state.
Makinde disclosed this in a newsletter issued on Saturday, stating that consultations were ongoing with key stakeholders, including elders and religious leaders, as part of efforts to arrive at a widely acceptable decision. According to him, the process has already produced several frontrunners, although he maintained that he has not endorsed any individual yet.
“We are approaching that point of decision. I have been consulting widely with our elders, fathers of faith, and other critical stakeholders, and I remain fully aware of the responsibility that this decision carries,” the governor said, dismissing claims that he had secretly backed any aspirant.
Findings within the Peoples Democratic Party indicate that a screening committee set up by the governor has been engaging aspirants since late March. Among those reportedly in contention are the Commissioner for Education, Nureni Adeniran; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; and federal lawmaker, Adedeji Stanley Olajide.
On the platform for the election, Makinde said his decision would depend on the outcome of an impending Supreme Court ruling concerning the Peoples Democratic Party. He assured that clarity on the political platform would be provided once the court delivers its judgment.
“There have also been questions about the platform on which we will proceed. For now, we await the decision of the Supreme Court regarding our party. Once that decision is delivered, we will communicate our next steps clearly,” he added.
The governor’s comments come amid heightened political tension and speculation in Oyo State. Recently, rumours surfaced alleging that former First Lady, Florence Ajimobi, held a meeting with Speaker Ogundoyin over an alleged plan to remove the governor. Both parties, however, denied the claims.
Ogundoyin later revealed that he was offered financial inducement in relation to the alleged plot but rejected it, stressing that his loyalty to the governor and the people of the state remained unwavering.
Similarly, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had accused Makinde of plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, over his absence at a coronation ceremony. The allegation was dismissed by both the governor and the monarch, who described it as baseless and politically motivated.