IBADAN, Nigeria — Nigeria‘s Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, declared that federal influence will not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
Okay News reports that Makinde addressed the Oyo State tourism summit at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre. The governor stated that citizens would vote for leaders of their choice regardless of external political pressure.
“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. He added that the electorate would no longer remain bystanders in the political process.
Regarding the transition of power in Oyo State, the governor said his administration has established structures to ensure continuity after his tenure ends. Makinde said that while he intends to recommend a successor, the final decision belongs to the voters.
“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state,” the governor said. He cautioned that electing a candidate lacking the capacity to govern would result in an impact lasting four years.
The Speaker of the Oyo House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, said on Wednesday that he led lawmakers to a meeting with a former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanbi. Ogundoyin described Adekanbi as the consensus gubernatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, also known as the APM.
Makinde said he would support any candidate who demonstrates loyalty to the state and the capacity to govern effectively, citing Morohunkola Thomas and Adekanbi as examples. “For us, if you’re from Oyo state, loyal to Oyo state, and have capacity, we will support you. We are blind to party colouration but open to capacity that can move Oyo state forward,” the governor said.
The governor concluded by stating the state is now concentrating on creating systems capable of sustaining development. He said his focus over the last seven years has been deliberate because leadership changes while systems endure.
