Makinde: Federal system may not work in 2027 elections

IBADAN— Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said yesterday that federal influence will not determine the result of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre (ICC), Makinde expressed confidence that voters would choose leaders based on merit rather than external pressure.

He added: “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.”

“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying.”

Regarding governance in Oyo after his tenure, the governor said his administration has established structures that will ensure continuity.

He said he would recommend a successor, but the people of Oyo would ultimately decide who becomes the next governor.

He cautioned that electing a candidate lacking governing capacity could have long‑lasting consequences for the state.

“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state,” he said.

“But if you make a mistake and bring someone who will not do good work, it is a one‑day event, but the impact will last four years. So, we must get it right. Leadership changes but systems, they endure. So, our focus has been deliberate,” he said.

Speculation has arisen that Makinde might endorse former Commissioner for Finance Mr Bimbo Adekanbi as his preferred candidate for governor.

On Wednesday, Speaker of the Oyo House of Assembly Mr Adebo Ogundoyin said he led lawmakers to a strategic breakfast meeting with Adekanmbi, the consensus gubernatorial