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Seeking Elective Posts In 2027
As the Oyo State political establishment anticipates a major announcement from the state’s governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as to who he will name as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship race, and under which political party they will contest due to the unending crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a significant number of dedicated individuals, deeply aligned with the Governor’s transformative vision, are stepping forward to seek elective posts.
This emerging trend isn’t merely about political ambition; it’s a testament to the profound impact of Makinde’s leadership and the confidence his administration has instilled in the future of the state.
These aspirants, often referred to as “Makinde’s loyalists,” are not just banking on the Governor’s popularity; they are embodying the very principles of good governance, transparency, and people-centric development that have become synonymous with his tenure.
From governorship to senatorial seats, Federal Reps, local government chair positions to state legislative roles, their aspirations are rooted in a desire to further entrench the progress witnessed under the current administration.
Their campaigns, still in nascent stages, are already reflecting a commitment to continuity and an expansion of the “Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development.”
They envision a future where the gains in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment are not only sustained but accelerated.
For many, Governor Makinde’s success story serves as both a blueprint and an inspiration, demonstrating that dedicated leadership can indeed translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
As these aspirants prepare to articulate their individual visions, they do so with the understanding that their alignment with Governor Makinde’s impactful legacy, irrespective of political party, provides a powerful platform for connecting with the electorate.
Additionally, Governor Makinde’s advisory council, tasked with screening all aspirants, is expected to submit its recommendations any time soon. The deadline given to the council led by a legal luminary and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, is April 8 (today).
Among Governor Makinde’s loyalists who are aspiring for one elective position or another are: Prof. Daud Kehinde Sangodoyin, the present Honourable Commissioner for Public Works and Transport in the state; Dr. Debo Akande, an Agribusiness expert who is currently serving in Makinde’s administration as the Executive Adviser on Agribusiness and the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA); Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo), a two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan South-West/North-East; Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning during the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration; and Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. All of them want to succeed Governor Makinde come 2027.
Also eyeing Governor Makinde’s seat are Dr. Nureni Adeniran, a seasoned educationist and politician who is currently the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB); Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, a close ally of Governor Makinde, and former Ambassador to Jordan and Iran, who is currently serving as the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP; and Otunba Oluseye Opatoki.
On the list of governorship aspirants, we also have Ambassador Abdulsabur Abiola Olawore, a UK-trained IT guru and MD/CEO of Atlas Multinational Synergy Nigeria Limited; Amofin Beulah Adeoye, a former partner at Deloitte; Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, an administrator par excellence and the Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde; Amb. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda; Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo; Hon. Saheed Fijabi, a former federal lawmaker who represented the Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency; and CP Fatai Owoseni, a retired Commissioner of Police who currently serves as Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security and Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund.
For the senatorial seats, there are Hon. Dada Abiodun Awoleye, a former two-term member of the House of Reps, who is eyeing the Oyo South Senatorial District seat; Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige (Ige Again), a former Oyo State House of Assembly member and presently chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, who also wants to contest the Oyo South Senatorial District seat; and Hon. Shina Peller, a former House of Reps member from Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, who wants the Oyo North Senatorial seat.
Some of those who want to contest for Federal Reps seats include Engr. Toheeb Adegoke (ADLAT) for Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency; Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju Ajiboye for Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency; Hon. Tosin Alabi for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency; Mogaji Akin Fagbemi for Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency; Dr. Ezekiel Temitope Oladimeji for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency; Oluseyi Oyebamiji for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency; and Hon. Soladoye Ogunlade, who recently resigned as Chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA) to pursue his aspiration to represent the Oyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives come 2027.
While we have in the state House of Assembly category the likes of Hon. Engr. Abioye Samuel Oluwaseun for Egbeda Constituency; Hon. Yusuf Oladeni Adebisi, son of the popular Fuji musician Alhaji Taye Akande Adebisi (Currency), who will be going to the state House for the third term to represent Ibadan South West Constituency I; Hon. Olakunle Akinsete, a prominent entertainment expert, who presently serves as Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Housing and Urban Development, and who is eyeing the Ibadan South West Constituency II seat.
-Dare Adeniran
08057639079
