- Makinde acknowledged the public’s keen interest in the upcoming transition
- He also highlighted broader concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy
- The governor concluded by urging all citizens to remain engaged in democratic processes
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that his administration is actively engaging credible stakeholders to guide the transition process as the state prepares for the 2027 governorship election.
In his April 2026 newsletter, No. 136, titled “The Business of Governance”, Makinde explained that consultations with respected figures across political and civic spheres are intended to ensure a transparent and inclusive candidate selection, Eko Hot Blog reports.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Easter Celebration: Sanwo-Olu Encourages Love, Sacrifice, Coexistence
- Enough Is Enough Defend Yourselves’ – CAN Urges Northern Christians
- NLC Orders Street Protests Over Minimum Wage
“We have engaged with a number of credible individuals as part of a deliberate transition process, and I will communicate a decision in due course, one that reflects both the progress we have made and the future we must secure,” he said.
The governor’s advisory council, headed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Bolaji Ayorinde, has been tasked with interacting with all governorship aspirants within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The council’s role is to evaluate aspirants’ plans and proposals before recommending a candidate, continuing the process Makinde described as Omituntun 3.0.
Among those who have participated in the consultations are House of Representatives member Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo), Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board Nureni Adeniran, former Finance Commissioner Bimbo Adekanmbi, Agribusiness Development Agency head Debo Akande, and State Assembly Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.
Makinde acknowledged the public’s keen interest in the upcoming transition, emphasizing that citizens are closely observing leadership continuity, governance, and the state’s direction.
While the governor has not yet announced the final decision, he reiterated that it would be made transparently and inclusively.
He also highlighted broader concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy, cautioning against indifference or withdrawal from civic engagement.
“Democracy is not built on agreement alone but on plurality, on diverse voices, including those we may not always agree with. This is what ensures accountability and responsiveness in governance,” he said.
Makinde warned against the dangers of a de facto one-party state, noting that diminishing opposition and shrinking democratic space could erode citizens’ confidence in institutions.
“When opposition becomes ineffective, accountability weakens, and addressing everyday challenges becomes more difficult,” he said.
The governor concluded by urging all citizens to remain engaged in democratic processes, emphasizing that the protection and growth of Nigeria’s democracy depend on active participation, informed dialogue, and institutional integrity.
FURTHER READING
