I Won’t Become Political Godfather to My Successor After 2027 — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said he will not become a political godfather to his successor after leaving office in 2027.

Makinde stated this on Monday during a luncheon held for members of the Muslim community at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Ibadan.

The governor said his preferred successor, Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), would be given the opportunity to govern the state independently if elected.

“I won’t be a political godfather to my successor,” Makinde said.

He added that after serving the people of Oyo State for eight years, he would ensure a smooth transition and allow his successor to develop and implement policies based on the aspirations of the people.

Makinde said leadership should be focused on service to humanity rather than political control.

“After eight years of serving the people of Oyo State, I will ensure that there is a smooth transition and that whoever succeeds me is given the opportunity to develop and implement policies in line with the aspirations and yearnings of the people,” he said.

The governor urged residents to assess political candidates based on their competence, character and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity, religion or other considerations.

He encouraged voters to examine candidates’ records and determine whether they genuinely have the interests of the people at heart.

According to Makinde, those entrusted with public office must prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal or political interests.

“That is the essence of leadership and that is what our people deserve,” he said.

The governor said the remaining months of his administration would be focused on consolidating existing achievements and completing projects and programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents.

He also pledged that his administration would continue to promote development, peace and prosperity in Oyo State until the end of his tenure.

Makinde thanked residents for the confidence and support they had given his administration over the past eight years, saying the government would continue to ensure that public resources were used for the benefit of the people.