I won’t become political godfather to my successor after 2027, says Makinde

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says he won’t be a political godfather to Bimbo Adekanmbi, his preferred successor and the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the 2027 election.

In May, Makinde declared Adekanmbi as his anointed candidate for the Oyo governorship seat, urging the former commissioner for finance to build on the good works of his eight-year administration in the state.

Speaking on Monday during a luncheon held for members of the Muslim community at the Banquet Hall of the government house in Ibadan, the APM presidential candidate said he would not interfere in the governance of the state after leaving office.

“I won’t be a political godfather to my successor,” he said.

“After eight years of serving the people of Oyo state, I will ensure that there is a smooth transition and that whoever succeeds me is given the opportunity to develop and implement policies in line with the aspirations and yearnings of the people.”

The governor said leadership should be about service to humanity, not control, urging the people to hold those seeking political office accountable once they assume office.

“Do not assess political aspirants based on ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations. Look at their competence, their character and their commitment to public service,” he said.

“Ask yourselves what they have done, what they can do and whether they genuinely have the interest of the people at heart.”

According to Makinde, governance is about improving the lives of the people.

He said those entrusted with public office must always put the interests of citizens above their personal or political interests.

“That is the essence of leadership and that is what our people deserve,” he added.

The outgoing governor said the remaining months of his administration would be dedicated to consolidating the achievements recorded so far and delivering more impactful projects and programmes for the benefit of the people of Oyo state.

“Until the expiration of this administration, we will continue to make decisions and take actions that will promote development, peace and prosperity in Oyo State,” he said.

“We will continue to work for the people and ensure that the resources entrusted to us are used for the benefit of the people.”

The governor commended the people for the confidence and support they had given his administration over the last eight years.

“We do not take that support for granted,” he said.