- Governor Seyi Makinde has committed to naming his preferred candidate for the Oyo State 2027 governorship race by the first week of May, ending months of intense speculation.
- The Governor revealed he is delaying a final decision on the political party to use, pending a high-stakes Supreme Court ruling on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
- The announcement comes as Makinde’s camp dismisses alleged plots for his removal and rumors of a rift with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The political clock in Oyo State has been set for a major reveal this May, as Governor Seyi Makinde prepares to name the person he hopes will succeed him in 2027.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Governor used a Saturday newsletter to confirm that wide-ranging consultations with “fathers of faith” and political elders are nearly complete.
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While several prominent names have been linked to the seat, including Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi, and Commissioner Nureni Adeniran, Makinde insists the final choice remains his alone for now.
“I have not disclosed my position to anyone. Any information suggesting otherwise is false,” he cautioned, urging supporters to ignore premature celebrations from any camp.
The Supreme Court Factor
In a significant twist, Makinde hinted that the candidate might not necessarily run on a PDP ticket.
The Governor is currently waiting for the Supreme Court to resolve the bitter factional war within the PDP before deciding on the “platform” for the 2027 campaign.
With the party currently split between Wike-backed and Makinde-backed factions, the legal outcome will determine whether the Governor’s successor stays with the umbrella or explores a new political home.
Speaker Ogundoyin recently went on the record to reveal he was offered a “monetary inducement” to participate in a plot against the Governor, which he says he rejected.
Similarly, the Governor has had to fend off claims by former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, who suggested a plot was afoot to issue a query to the Olubadan.
Both Makinde and the monarch have since dismissed the claim as “baseless political mischief.”
As the first week of May approaches, political actors in the Pacesetter State are on high alert, waiting to see who will receive the Governor’s “anointing” and which party logo they will be carrying.
