Indications have emerged that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State may endorse a former Commissioner for Finance under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The development, which has generated fresh discussions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition circles in the state, was said to have followed a series of consultations involving key political stakeholders.
The Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Michael Ogunsina, confirmed the development on Wednesday.
“Yes, it is confirmed, the governor has announced him,” Ogunsina said.
It was also gathered that the governor may announce the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as the political platform for his loyalists and supporters ahead of the next electoral cycle, although there are speculations that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) could also be considered.
Although Governor Makinde is yet to make any formal public declaration, multiple sources within the party disclosed that influential stakeholders and close associates of the governor had been informed of the decision.
One of the sources said: “We are going to the ADP, and Bimbo Adekanmbi shall be our candidate.”
Another source disclosed that Makinde might publicly unveil his preferred governorship candidate and political platform within the next 48 hours.
According to the source, the preferred candidate had already met with party stakeholders, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, prominent political figures within and outside Ibadan, as well as the 33 local government chairmen in the state.
“The preferred candidate has appeared before the elders’ council, lawmakers, and council chairmen across the state, where discussions centred on endorsement ahead of a formal public announcement,” the source said.
“The meeting was crucial in building consensus among influential figures within the state’s political structure.”
Speculation surrounding Adekanmbi’s possible emergence dates back to July 30, 2024, when Makinde appointed him chairman of the 11-member committee overseeing the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.
Adekanmbi formally joined the PDP on December 10, 2025, before declaring his governorship ambition on April 21, 2026, during a visit to the party secretariat at Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
During the visit, he met with state and local government executives of the party, alongside other stakeholders.
Since declaring his ambition, Adekanmbi has reportedly intensified consultations with party leaders, members of the state House of Assembly, and local government chairmen across Oyo State.
He previously contested the Oyo South Senatorial ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde had in March directed the PDP advisory council, led by Bolaji Ayorinde, to engage aspirants seeking the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
Adekanmbi was among those who appeared before the council.
