Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has started a deliberate process to select his successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He revealed that his team is engaging with credible individuals within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure a smooth transition.

Makinde spoke on Saturday, March 21, 2026, while tasking his advisory council, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Bolaji Ayorinde, with interacting with all PDP governorship aspirants. The council must assess their plans and recommend a candidate capable of continuing the Omituntun 3.0 agenda.

He promised to announce his decision at the appropriate time. “We have engaged with a number of credible individuals as part of a deliberate transition process, and I will communicate a decision in due course, one that reflects both the progress we have made and the future we must secure,” Makinde stated.

The governor’s approach aims to give every aspirant a fair chance to present their ideas while maintaining a level playing field. Among those who have responded to the engagement are:

• Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo), member of the House of Representatives for Ibadan South-West/North-East
• Nureni Adeniran, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board
• Bimbo Adekanmbi, former Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning
• Debo Akande, Chairman of the Agribusiness Development Agency
• Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly

and several others.

This move signals Makinde’s intention to carefully guide the PDP’s choice of candidate for the 2027 election in Oyo State. The process is expected to produce a successor who will build on the current administration’s achievements.