2027: Stop Accusing Me, I’m Not Contesting For Governor, Makinde Tells Prospective Successors

Amid increased political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged politicians seeking to succeed him in 2027 to stop using the shortcomings of his administration as a campaign strategy, stressing that he will not be on the ballot in the governorship election.

Makinde stated this on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while reacting to comments by some governorship aspirants, including the Accord Party candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, who had claimed that he played a role in bringing the governor into politics.

The governor urged those seeking to succeed him to focus on telling the people of Oyo State what they intend to do differently rather than abusing him or dwelling on what his administration had yet to accomplish.

“I have seen a few people going around saying they want to become governor. I saw another one that they showed me yesterday saying he was the one who brought me into politics. Some even said I didn’t do some things.

“I am not the one contesting for governor. The people of Oyo State have given me the opportunity to serve them. Go and tell them what you want to do differently. Stop abusing Seyi Makinde,” he said.

Makinde, whose second term expires in 2027, also urged voters to hold all governorship candidates accountable by demanding details of their programmes and how they intend to build on the achievements of his administration while addressing areas where it fell short.

He said, “So next time when people come to talk to you, tell them that it is where we couldn’t finish that they want to continue, and sort those things out.

“So that every mistake that we have made, they will correct it in the best interest of the people of Oyo State.”

The governor’s comments come amid increased political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with several politicians positioning themselves to succeed him.

Hamzat, the founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, declared his intention to contest the governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party in January 2026 and subsequently emerged as the party’s candidate after its primary election in May.

His emergence has added a new dimension to the contest, particularly given his previously cordial relationship with Makinde and his prominent role in Oyo State’s political and social space.

Before their relationship became strained, Makinde had publicly acknowledged his familiarity with Hamzat, stating in 2022 that the broadcaster’s commitment to the emancipation of the masses was among the qualities that brought them together.

He also said they had known each other before he became governor, although they sometimes disagreed over issues concerning governance.

Hamzat had earlier claimed that he was among those who encouraged Makinde to enter the political race that eventually led to his emergence as governor.

He also said he deserved credit for some of the successes recorded by the administration.

The broadcaster made the claims while addressing members of the Accord Party in Ibadan on Saturday, amid growing political differences between him and Makinde ahead of the 2027 general election.

Hamzat, who is known for his interventionist radio programme, “Kokoro Alate,” said he supported Makinde’s governorship bid because he believed the governor would work in the interest of the people of Oyo State.

Makinde, however, advised his supporters not to be distracted by campaign rhetoric but to scrutinise the records, programmes and promises of all those seeking their votes.

He maintained that his successor should not merely criticise his administration but identify unfinished projects, acknowledge areas where mistakes were made and offer better solutions for the people of Oyo State.