Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has declared Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as his preferred successor for 2027.

In recent weeks, speculations have been rife over Makinde’s alleged endorsement of Adekanmbi.

The rumour intensified on May 14 when the governor declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

At the joint mega rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, Makinde and Adekanmbi were seen sitting together alongside officials of both parties.

On Thursday, during Adekanmbi’s unveiling as the APM consensus governorship candidate, Makinde openly declared him his preferred successor.

“I am here to tell you all two things. First, I want to thank you for your support towards this administration and also for the current political arrangement in Oyo state, which will also go national very soon. You have tasted Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0. Is it sweet, or not? This is Omituntun 3.0,” the governor said as he and Adekanmbi raised their APM face caps before jubilant supporters.

The governor urged Adekanmbi not to inherit his enemies but to chart a new path while continuing the “good works” his administration has started in the state.

“I have told Bimbo, don’t inherit my enemies; chart your own path. I’m only human, and I make mistakes, just like everyone else,” Makinde said.“He should improve on the good things we have done for the benefit of the people of Oyo state.”