Makinde Declares Ultimate Decision Rests with Oyo Electorate, Rejects ‘Godfather’ Politics

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has emphatically declared that the fate of his successor in the 2027 gubernatorial election rests squarely in the hands of the state’s electorate, effectively dismissing the influence of political godfathers and claims of political entitlement.

The Governor made this assertion on Thursday in Ibadan during the flag-off of the Zonal Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum and Engagement Meeting on the 2026 Budget, a platform he uses to promote inclusive and bottom-up governance.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Makinde stated that Oyo State has matured politically, moving past an era where elections were dictated by political propaganda or the dictates of a few influential individuals.

“Oyo State has gone beyond the era of politics based on entitlement or propaganda,” Makinde noted. “The people of the state are now more politically enlightened, and they will only support leaders who present credible plans and demonstrate capacity for development.”

While acknowledging the persistent speculation surrounding who he would support to succeed him at the end of his tenure, the Governor maintained that the final decision will be a democratic one by all eligible voters.

He used his own political journey as a case study, recalling that many doubted his capability in 2019 due to his lack of prior political office experience. “I asked the people to trust me and judge me by my actions, not my political CV. Leadership must be about accountability, not entitlement,” he stressed.

Makinde urged political leaders and aspirants to focus on tangible policies and projects that directly impact the lives of citizens rather than engaging in political theatrics. He expressed optimism that the people of Oyo State would continue to back leaders who prioritize progress, inclusivity, and the well-being of the citizens above personal political ambition.