2027: Adekanmbi vows to Govern Oyo Independently, …pledges people-centred leadership, draws on experience with former governors

The 2027 governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has declared that his ambition to govern the state is driven by competence, experience and a commitment to the interests of residents, insisting that he would not be a stooge to any political leader.

Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, said his relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde would not compromise his independence if elected governor, adding that the governor himself would not expect him to surrender his political judgment.

The APM candidate stated this while featuring on the Morning Show programme of Arise Television, where he discussed his governorship ambition, experience in public service and vision for Oyo State ahead of the 2027 election.

Responding to concerns that he could become a political stooge to Makinde, Adekanmbi said the governor had encouraged residents to establish personal relationships with him rather than depend on the governor to influence his decisions.

He said, “Recently, Governor Makinde cautioned residents to build personal relationships with me, as he would not play the role of prevailing on me unnecessarily. I have also personally built relationships and robust networks with the people across various regions of the state.

“So, if you ask me, I think I would be a stooge to the over 7.5 million people of Oyo State.”

Adekanmbi’s remarks come amid questions about the relationship between his political ambition and the continuity of Makinde’s development agenda.

He, however, stressed that his experience in government had equipped him with the knowledge required to identify policies and projects that should be sustained, as well as areas where improvements were necessary.

The former commissioner said his understanding of governance was shaped by his interactions with successive administrations and the opportunity to learn from their achievements, challenges and regrets.

He recalled his relationships with former governors of the state, including the late Lamidi Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Abiola Ajimobi, saying their experiences had contributed to his understanding of leadership.

“I have a robust relationship with all previous governors of Oyo State, and I have been fortunate to drink from their wealth of experiences. They have also shared with me some of their visions for the state and some of their regrets,” he said.

Adekanmbi described his working relationship with the late Governor Ajimobi as particularly significant, recalling how he was recalled into the cabinet shortly after its dissolution during the administration’s second term.

“More engaging was Governor Ajimobi. I tell you, for almost one year of Governor Ajimobi’s second term, after he dissolved his cabinet and I was recalled three days later, I ran the backdrop of the administration effectively,” he said.

He said the experience strengthened his understanding of the workings of government and the responsibilities involved in implementing policies and managing public resources.

Adekanmbi maintained that his ambition was not merely to continue the policies of previous administrations but to build on their achievements while addressing gaps in governance.

He emphasised that continuity should be guided by the interests of the people, arguing that successful programmes and projects should be sustained, while those that required better implementation or a change of direction should be reviewed.

The APM candidate also highlighted his experience in different government positions as an advantage, saying it had exposed him to the opportunities and challenges confronting Oyo State.

Adekanmbi emerged as the party’s consensus governorship candidate in May 2026 and has since embarked on engagements with party stakeholders and residents across the state as part of preparations for the 2027 governorship election.