Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has openly identified Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 election.
Speculation about Makinde’s support for Adekanmbi had intensified in recent weeks, especially after the governor announced on May 14 his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
At a joint mega rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Makinde and Adekanmbi appeared together alongside leaders and members of both parties.
Speaking on Thursday during the official unveiling of Adekanmbi as the APM consensus governorship candidate, Makinde openly endorsed him as the person he wants to succeed him.
“I am here to tell you all two things. First, I want to thank you for your support towards this administration and also for the current political arrangement in Oyo state, which will also go national very soon. You have tasted Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0. Is it sweet, or not? This is Omituntun 3.0,” the governor said while raising Adekanmbi’s APM face cap before cheering supporters.
Makinde also advised Adekanmbi to create his own political path rather than inherit his personal political battles, while sustaining the achievements of the current administration.
“I have told Bimbo, don’t inherit my enemies; chart your own path. I’m only human, and I make mistakes, just like everyone else,” Makinde said.
“He should improve on the good things we have done for the benefit of the people of Oyo state.”