2027: I Am Not Makinde’s Surrogate, Says Oyo APM Governorship Candidate

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State, Abimbola Adekanmbi, has rejected claims that he is a political surrogate of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Adekanmbi, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, made the statement during an interview with Arise News on Tuesday while discussing his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

He said he had his own manifesto and governing strategy and would take responsibility for his decisions if elected governor.

“I’m no surrogate to Governor Makinde. The governor made it clear that I shouldn’t inherit his enemies or liabilities,” Adekanmbi said.

He added that he was prepared to chart his own political course rather than inherit the incumbent governor’s political obligations or liabilities.

“I’m owning every action I take as governor, just as I have always owned my actions in life. I own it, and I’m prepared. I have my own manifesto and strategy,” he said.

Adekanmbi also addressed the process through which candidates for various elective positions emerged.

He maintained that the governor did not single-handedly select the candidates but that the process involved consultations and engagements with different groups across Oyo State.

“The governor did not sit in his office and simply drop a list. There was a process that led to the emergence of all the candidates,” he said.

According to him, representatives from different sectors and regions of the state participated in the process, which he described as one based on consensus.

He said the process covered candidates for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections.

Adekanmbi is expected to face other contenders in the 2027 Oyo State governorship race, with political parties expected to continue their preparations ahead of the election.