Makinde Fires Back as Oyo 2027 Race Heats Up

(Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Photo: Oyo State Govt)

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has cautioned individuals aspiring to succeed him in the 2027 governorship election to refrain from making his administration's gaps and failures central to their campaign messaging, emphasising that he will not be competing in the race himself.

Speaking at an event in Ibadan on Monday, Makinde also appeared to direct criticism toward broadcaster and Accord Party candidate Oriyomi Hamzat over claims by some political figures regarding Hamzat's alleged role in facilitating Makinde's entry into politics.

Makinde urged aspiring successors to articulate their own vision for the state rather than focusing their campaigns on attacking his tenure or highlighting administrative shortcomings.

He encouraged them to communicate to Oyo residents what distinct approaches they would implement if elected.

He stated that since he will not be contesting the gubernatorial position, criticism should target the candidates themselves rather than his administration.

Makinde, whose final term concludes in 2027, called on voters to hold all gubernatorial aspirants accountable by demanding they explain how they would build upon his administration's accomplishments while rectifying areas where performance fell short.

He framed this as the appropriate campaign discourse, suggesting that candidates should present detailed plans for completing unfinished initiatives and correcting identified mistakes rather than simply criticising his record.

The statement reflects intensifying political positioning ahead of the 2027 election, with multiple politicians announcing their candidacy.

Prominent among these candidates is Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, who declared his intention to contest under the Accord Party in January 2026 and emerged as the party's flagbearer following its May primary election.

Hamzat's candidacy carries particular significance given his previously established rapport with Makinde and his influential role in Oyo's political and public discourse.

However, their relationship has deteriorated as political competition has intensified.

Previously, in 2022, Makinde had publicly acknowledged his familiarity with Hamzat, attributing their connection to the broadcaster's commitment to popular welfare and recognising their prior acquaintance before Makinde's governorship, despite occasional disagreements on policy matters.

Hamzat has asserted that he contributed to Makinde's entry into the gubernatorial race and consequently deserves recognition for the governor's electoral success and administrative achievements throughout his eight-year tenure.

He made these claims while addressing Accord Party members in Ibadan on Saturday as the previously cordial relationship between the two figures continues deteriorating over their competing electoral ambitions.

Makinde advised his supporters to maintain focus on substantive policy discourse rather than becoming absorbed by campaign rhetoric.

He urged voters to critically evaluate the programmes and records of aspirants, emphasising that the next governor should not merely critique his administration but should identify incomplete projects and administrative errors while proposing improved solutions for the state's residents.