Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence that Nigerians will resist political intimidation and vote according to their conscience in future elections.
Speaking on Wednesday during the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, the governor said the era where “federal might” determines election outcomes may be coming to an end.
“I believe that this election cycle, federal might will not work,” Makinde said.
He acknowledged that such influence had played a role in past elections in some states, including Ekiti, but insisted Nigerians are becoming more politically conscious.
“This time around, Nigerians will show politicians pepper. They don’t want to remain bystanders anymore; they want to participate actively,” he stated.
Makinde also spoke about the future of governance in Oyo State after the end of his administration, saying his government has focused on building systems that would outlive his tenure.
According to him, although he may recommend a preferred successor, the final decision on who becomes governor rests with the people of Oyo State.
“I can recommend someone, but Oyo people will decide,” he said.
The governor warned residents against electing leaders who lack the competence to govern effectively, stressing that poor leadership can negatively affect the state for years.
“If you make the mistake of choosing someone who cannot perform, the consequences may last for four years,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political speculation over who he may support ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
One of the names frequently mentioned is Bimbo Adekanbi, who previously served under the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
The speculation intensified after the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, disclosed that he attended a strategic meeting with Adekanbi, whom he described as the consensus governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.
Addressing the rumours, Makinde said political party affiliation is less important to him than competence, loyalty to Oyo State and the ability to continue developmental progress.
“Whether it is Morohunkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanbi, if they are from Oyo State, loyal to the state and have the capacity to move it forward, we can support them,” he said.
“We are not focused on party colouration; we are focused on competence.”
Makinde further explained that his administration’s priority is to establish enduring institutions and governance structures that future administrations can strengthen rather than discard.
According to him, the state has moved beyond simply identifying opportunities and is now focused on creating systems capable of sustaining long-term development and growth.
