Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reportedly identified a former Commissioner for Finance under the late ex-governor Abiola Ajimobi as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The disclosure was confirmed on Wednesday night by the Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Michael Ogunshina, during a telephone conversation with Oyo Insight, an Ibadan-based online newspaper
The development has sparked renewed debate within political circles across the state, cutting across both the ruling PDP and opposition parties.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the endorsement emerged from a series of high-level consultations involving influential stakeholders in Oyo’s political landscape.
Although Governor Makinde has yet to make a formal public declaration, Ogunshina maintained that the decision has effectively been made.
“Yes, it is confirmed, the governor has announced him,” Ogunshina stated.
The move is expected to shape early alignments and strategic calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, as political actors begin to position themselves in anticipation of a potentially competitive race.
Observers note that Makinde’s preference for a former member of Ajimobi’s administration may signal a broader strategy to consolidate support across political divides, particularly among technocrats and legacy structures within the state.
