Oyo Governor Makinde Hints at Preferred Successor Ahead of 2027 Polls

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dropped a major hint that he may endorse one of his current team members as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking on Thursday during the Stakeholders’ Consultative and Engagement Meeting on the 2026 Budget at the Ogunlana Hall, University of Ibadan, Makinde said such a move would guarantee stability and sustain his administration’s development roadmap.

According to him, continuity is key to maintaining the progress Oyo State has recorded in the last few years.

“If we put anybody forward in our team, what it means is that we have evaluated that individual. It wouldn’t be about the individual per se. If, within the team, we have a roadmap for continued development of Oyo State for 2027 and beyond, and we have people within that team who have already bought into it, that would be the best path forward,” he said.

Governor Makinde, whose second term ends in 2027, stressed that while he may make recommendations, the final choice of the next governor rests squarely with the people of Oyo State.

“The decision on who would be the next governor rests with the people of Oyo State. We will make our own submission to the people, because Oyo State has gone beyond stunt politics. Maybe it used to happen in the past. Now, Oyo State people will ask you questions,” he added.

Consequently, Makinde’s remarks have already stirred political interest within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and beyond.
His statement might set the stage for internal realignments as 2027 draws closer.

However, it could be recalled that earlier this year in January, Governor Makinde had hinted that his preferred successor would likely be someone younger and part of his current political structure.