Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the influence of “federal might” may no longer determine the outcome of elections in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The Oyo State governor made the remark on Thursday while speaking at the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. He said Nigerians were becoming more politically aware and would no longer remain passive during elections.
According to him, politicians may be shocked by the level of participation expected from voters in the next election cycle.
“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,” Makinde said.
“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying.”
The governor also spoke on the future of governance in Oyo State after the end of his administration. He said his government had focused on building strong institutions and systems that would outlive his tenure.
Makinde explained that although he would recommend a successor, the final decision would rest with the people of the state. He warned residents against electing leaders without the competence and vision needed to sustain development.
“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state,” he said.
“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. So, we must get it right.”
The governor added that leadership may change with time, but durable systems remain critical for long-term growth and stability.
His comments come amid growing political discussions over who may succeed him in 2027. There have been speculations in political circles that Makinde could support former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, for the governorship seat.
The speculation gained attention after Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, disclosed that lawmakers recently attended what he described as a “strategic breakfast meeting” with Adekanmbi, whom he referred to as “the consensus gubernatorial candidate” of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.
Responding to the reports, Makinde dismissed suggestions that party affiliation would be the deciding factor in his support for any candidate.
The governor maintained that competence, loyalty to Oyo State and capacity to deliver good governance would remain his priority.
“People said ‘oh, so Seyi, you did not mentor anyone these seven years you have been in government that can take over from you without the taint of APC’?” he stated.
“And I ask them that Morohunkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanbi, are they not from Oyo State? For us, if you’re from Oyo state, loyal to Oyo state, and have capacity, we will support you.”
Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the influence of “federal might” may no longer determine the outcome of elections in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The Oyo State governor made the remark on Thursday while speaking at the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. He said Nigerians were becoming more politically aware and would no longer remain passive during elections.
According to him, politicians may be shocked by the level of participation expected from voters in the next election cycle.
“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,” Makinde said.
“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying.”
The governor also spoke on the future of governance in Oyo State after the end of his administration. He said his government had focused on building strong institutions and systems that would outlive his tenure.
Makinde explained that although he would recommend a successor, the final decision would rest with the people of the state. He warned residents against electing leaders without the competence and vision needed to sustain development.
“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state,” he said.
“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. So, we must get it right.”
The governor added that leadership may change with time, but durable systems remain critical for long-term growth and stability.
His comments come amid growing political discussions over who may succeed him in 2027. There have been speculations in political circles that Makinde could support former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, for the governorship seat.
The speculation gained attention after Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, disclosed that lawmakers recently attended what he described as a “strategic breakfast meeting” with Adekanmbi, whom he referred to as “the consensus gubernatorial candidate” of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.
Responding to the reports, Makinde dismissed suggestions that party affiliation would be the deciding factor in his support for any candidate.
The governor maintained that competence, loyalty to Oyo State and capacity to deliver good governance would remain his priority.
“People said ‘oh, so Seyi, you did not mentor anyone these seven years you have been in government that can take over from you without the taint of APC’?” he stated.
“And I ask them that Morohunkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanbi, are they not from Oyo State? For us, if you’re from Oyo state, loyal to Oyo state, and have capacity, we will support you.”
