Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said he will not disclose or hint at his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing concerns over misrepresentation and the activities of “talebearers”.
Makinde made the remarks while speaking at the state’s annual inter-faith service, where he addressed growing political discussions around who will succeed him after the end of his second term.
According to the governor, the presence of intermediaries who could distort his comments informed his decision not to speak publicly about succession at the event, even as political activities begin to gather pace across the state.
He noted that 2026 would be a defining period in the political calendar, stressing that within the next several months, individuals seeking to replace the current administration would become clearer to the public.
“2026 is a pivotal year. In another seven months, those who want to take our position would have been known by then,” Makinde said.
The governor cautioned residents to be wary of what he described as misleading promises from political actors, warning that false narratives would intensify from August as the election season approaches.
“I know that this past seven years, we must have learnt something. But different lies will be emanating from different quarters starting from August.”
“A lot of people will come to you to promise you heaven and earth, what they cannot even do in eight years, they will tell you they can accomplish it in eight days,” he said.
Makinde also urged the public to reflect on the performance of his administration under the Omituntun agenda, which has guided his first and second terms in office.
“You have all watched Omituntun 1.0, 2.0 and I am sure you want to experience Omituntun 3.0 and beyond, which will begin May 29, 2027,” he added, without naming any individual linked to the continuation of the programme.
Meanwhile, Goalpoachernews gathered that the list of aspirants interested in the Oyo governorship seat in Makinde’s camo continues to expand as those reportedly eyeing the position include the governor’s Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; Debo Akande; Elias Adeojo; Nureni Adeniran; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin; Akin Fagbemi, Odidiomo; Adegoke “Solution”; former police commissioner Fatai Owoseni; Kehinde Daud Sangodoyin, Amofin Beulah Adeoye and businessman Ajadi, among others.
While none of the aspirants has formally received Makinde’s endorsement, the increasing number of contenders underscored the growing intensity of political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 election, even as the governor maintains a public posture of neutrality on succession, he has said he would recommend someone.
