The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has warned Governor Seyi Makinde against attempting to install a handpicked successor in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
The party emphasized that the only way for the governor to avoid backlash from voters over his alleged misgovernance is to use his remaining two years in office to correct his mistakes.
Oyo APC’s reaction followed a recent statement attributed to Governor Makinde, in which he reportedly declared at a public gathering that he would unveil his chosen successor in January 2026. Political pundits have criticized this statement, calling it an affront to the people of Oyo State.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Ibadan, APC Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare strongly condemned the governor’s remarks, stating that Oyo State would not tolerate a situation similar to the political crisis in Rivers State.
“It is certain that Governor Makinde will attempt to impose a puppet on the people of Oyo State for his own selfish interests. However, the whole world knows that he is not the right person to determine the state’s next leader.
“Since assuming office in May 2019, he has governed unilaterally, sidelining party structures and stakeholders. He may try to dictate the 2027 election, but he will ultimately be disappointed, as whoever he endorses will face defeat at the polls,” Sadare stated.
The APC further argued that Makinde has weakened the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, to the extent that the party might struggle to field a candidate in 2027.
“Governor Makinde has done irreparable damage to the PDP in Oyo State. Many original members have been sidelined, and party structures have been dismantled. The state secretariat in Molete is now virtually abandoned, while most local government chapters lack offices or meeting venues. Unfortunately, party decisions are dictated solely by the governor and his closest aides,” the statement read.
The APC also accused Makinde of betraying former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other PDP National Assembly candidates during the last general election.
“Governor Makinde’s history of betrayal, deception, and self-serving leadership will continue to haunt him. At this point, only a naive or wasteful politician would seek the PDP’s ticket for the 2027 elections. The party is effectively dead in Oyo State, with no chance of revival anytime soon,” Sadare concluded.
