The consensus governorship candidate from camp of Governor Seyi Makinde, Abimbola Adekanmbi has pledged to sustain and expand the sectoral legacies of the Makinde administration if given the opportunity to govern Oyo State.
Westernmirror reports that while it is unclear what political platform he will use to pursue his ambition due to ongoing political realignments, it is believed that the leadership of Oyo state People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have adopted him as their consensus candidate ahead of the forthcoming 2027 polls.
Adekanmbi, who was a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, made the pledge on Monday during a private courtesy visit to the Music House headquarters of Yinka Ayefele, founder and chairman of Fresh FM Nigeria, in Ibadan.
The visit, which formed part of ongoing consultations ahead of the anticipated 2027 governorship election, brought together key stakeholders within the media organisation and political associates.
Adekanbi described Ayefele as his elder brother with whom he has enjoyed decades of robust and cordial relationship. He explained that his visit to the media mogul became imperative considering the role and impact of the media outfit in the socioeconomic development of the state.
While commending Ayefele for his entrepreneurial spirit that he said has birthed two other radio stations and created jobs for members of the society, Adekanmbi maintained that seeking the blessing of the media executive will go a long way to inspire and motivate him in his political journey.
Adekanbi assured the media icon and management of Fresh FM that he fully understands the enormous responsibility associated with governance and the expectations of the people.
He vowed not only to consolidate on the existing achievements of the Makinde administration but also to deepen reforms and interventions across major sectors to ensure sustainable growth and development in the state.
According to him, continuity in good governance remains essential to preserving the gains already achieved under the current administration.
“This visit is entirely a private one to see my elder brother, Dr. Yinka Ayefele, and to seek his blessing on my political aspiration for the governorship seat come 2027.
“He has known me for over 20 years, he had very cordial relationship with my father and I see his impacts on the society as the founder and chairman of Fresh FM Nigeria.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has achieved alot of unprecedented milestones for this state and my ambition is to consolidate, build upon his success and sustain his sector by sector legacies.
“If Governor Makinde can sustain prompt payment of workers salary, pension and gratuities to pensioners and retirees for almost seven years without interruption, then it is my job to sustain it or even pay them earlier than such date,” Adekanbi assured.
Speaking during the meeting, Ayefele charged the governorship hopeful to remain committed to the developmental trajectory established by Governor Makinde across critical sectors of the state economy, including infrastructure, education, health, security, economic expansion through agribusiness and road infrastructural development.
The veteran broadcaster stressed that the people of Oyo State have become more conscious of performance-driven leadership and would expect continuity in governance rather than a reversal of progress already recorded.
“To be unbiased, I will demand assurances from you that you will sustain the legacies of Governor Makinde.
“I won’t hesitate to tell you the truth as a straightforward person anytime you drift away from the laudable development under Makinde. You must stand by every promise you are making.
“I will not be biased because of my relationship with you, but I will always tell you the truth.
“Anybody coming into Ibadan and Oyo State today can testify to the great achievements of Governor Makinde. You now have to prepare yourself to do more than what Governor Makinde has done.”
Ayefele further described governance as a demanding task requiring sincerity, courage and accountability, adding that whoever succeeds Makinde must justify the confidence reposed in him by the people.
“Governance is a big task and you owe it a duty to justify the trust reposed in you. We will play our part as partners in progress,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Group General Manager of Fresh FM Nigeria, Alhaji Abolade Salami, assured that the organisation would continue to uphold professionalism by holding public officials accountable while also acknowledging achievements recorded in office.
Salami noted that the media remains a critical stakeholder in democratic governance and policy evaluation, stressing that Fresh FM would continue to support initiatives capable of advancing the collective interest of the people of Oyo State.
Also present during the visit were ace radio presenters; Isaac Brown and Adebayo Faleke, among other top management officials of the media organization.
