Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has identified Mr. Abimbola Adekambi, a former Commissioner for Finance during the administration of late ex-governor Abiola Ajimobi, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election.
The disclosure was confirmed on Wednesday night by the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Michael Ogunshina, during an exclusive telephone conversation.
The development is already generating fresh debate within political circles, cutting across both the ruling PDP and opposition parties in the state. It was gathered that the decision emerged from a series of high-level consultations involving key stakeholders and power brokers within Oyo’s political landscape.
Although Governor Makinde has yet to make a formal public declaration, Ogunshina affirmed that the decision has effectively been communicated within party ranks.
“Yes, it is confirmed, the governor has announced him,” Ogunshina said.
Adekambi, a technocrat with a strong background in finance and public administration, previously served under the administration of the late former governor Ajimobi and is widely regarded as experienced in fiscal management. His emergence as Makinde’s preferred successor signals a strategic political move that could reshape alignments ahead of the 2027 polls.
Political observers note that the announcement may trigger internal recalibration within the PDP, as well as influence the calculations of opposition parties preparing for the next electoral cycle.
While supporters of the move see it as a continuity strategy anchored on competence and governance experience, critics argue it could spark internal contestation within the ruling party over the selection process.
As the political atmosphere gradually builds toward 2027, Makinde’s endorsement of Adekambi is expected to remain a focal point in Oyo State’s evolving succession dynamics.