Lawmakers in Oyo State back governor's choice for gubernatorial candidate

Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, have formally backed Bimbo Adekanmbi, the preferred candidate of Governor Seyi Makinde, for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

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This decision was reached during a strategic breakfast meeting with Adekanmbi at his residence in Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, on Wednesday, according to a statement by Oyetunji Oyekunle, the media aide to the Speaker.

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The lawmakers endorsed Adekanmbi as the governorship aspirant for the Allied Peoples Movement in the state, ahead of the 2027 general election, in a move that aligns with Governor Makinde's announcement last week.

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Governor Makinde had previously announced Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, as his preferred governorship aspirant during a meeting with stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party.

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Following this announcement, the governor met with other gubernatorial aspirants to inform them of his choice and garner support for Adekanmbi ahead of the election.

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The endorsement by the lawmakers came just hours before the "Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026", which is expected to feature the declaration of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.

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Wednesday's meeting focused on strengthening party unity, building early political structures, and ensuring a coordinated approach towards the 2027 governorship election, as stated in the statement.

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Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin described Adekanmbi as an experienced political figure capable of sustaining good governance and providing purposeful leadership for the state, during his address to the gathering.

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Ogundoyin noted that the lawmakers' endorsement was based on their collective conviction in Adekanmbi's leadership capacity, political maturity, and understanding of governance, which they believe will move Oyo State forward.

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The Speaker emphasized that the gathering was a demonstration of their confidence in Adekanmbi's ability to unite stakeholders and provide inclusive leadership for the people of the state.

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He also stated that the House members remain committed to supporting initiatives and individuals that will sustain political stability, strengthen democratic institutions, and consolidate developmental strides across the state.

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Ogundoyin further stressed the importance of early consultations and grassroots mobilisation, noting that internal cohesion and strategic planning will play major roles in determining the success of political parties during the polls.

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Adekanmbi expressed his appreciation to the lawmakers and party stakeholders for the confidence they have placed in him, describing the endorsement as a major responsibility and a call to greater service.

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He pledged to ensure inclusive and people-oriented leadership, particularly by consolidating the achievements of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration in infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, economic expansion, and youth empowerment across the state.

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Adekanmbi stated that the endorsement is not just about him as an individual, but about the collective aspiration to build a more prosperous, united, and progressive Oyo State.

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He assured party members that he would continue extensive consultations across all geopolitical zones in the state to ensure inclusiveness and unity within the party.

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Adekanmbi also emphasized the importance of issue-based politics, urging political actors to avoid divisive tendencies that can create unnecessary tension within the political space.

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Some lawmakers who spoke during the meeting described the endorsement as timely, noting that early alignment among party stakeholders would help reduce internal disagreements and strengthen the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State ahead of the next governorship election.