Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that the choice of who would succeed him in 2027 rests solely with the people of the state, not with political godfathers or entitlement claims.
Makinde said this on Thursday in Ibadan while flagging off the zonal stakeholders’ consultative forum and engagement meeting on the 2026 Budget.
According to the governor, the decision of who becomes the next governor of Oyo state rests on all eligible voters in the state.
“Oyo State has gone beyond the era of politics based on entitlement or propaganda.
“Rather, the people of the state are now more politically enlightened and they will only support leaders who present credible plans and demonstrate capacity for development,” he said.
Makinde, while reflecting on his own experience before coming into office in 2019, noted that leadership must be about accountability, not entitlement.
He recalled that many people doubted his capability when he first sought the governorship position, because he had not held any political office.
“In 2018, when I was consulting to become governor, there was no yardstick to measure me. I had never been a councillor or a local government chairman, but I asked the people to trust me and judge me by my actions,” he said.
The governor urged political leaders to focus on policies and projects that directly impact the lives of citizens rather than engaging in political theatrics.
He said his administration’s approach to challenges has been to present a clear roadmap for Oyo State’s development, “one that people can read, evaluate, and hold us accountable to.”
Makinde expressed optimism that the people of the state would continue to support leaders who prioritise progress, inclusivity, and the well-being of citizens over personal ambition.
