As Oyo State gradually moves toward the 2027 gubernatorial election following the completion of Governor Seyi Makinde’s second term, political activities—though unofficial—are already gaining momentum. It is therefore inevitable that attention will shift to who Governor Makinde may recommend as his successor to the people of Oyo State.
One notable attribute of Governor Seyi Makinde is his calm and reserved nature. He speaks sparingly, making it difficult for both political observers and insiders to predict his next move. This characteristic has earned him the description of a “green snake under green grass” among his peers. As things stand, neither politicians nor the general public can confidently say who he favours as his successor. Unlike past transitions where such information would already be circulating, even those believed to be within his inner caucus have not been able to state emphatically who his preferred candidate is.
There is no doubt that Governor Makinde enjoys high approval among Oyo State citizens, largely due to his performance in governance since assuming office. This is reflected in recent ratings that place Oyo State among the best states in Nigeria to live in and do business. With such progress recorded, it is imperative that these gains are not lost after his exit from office. Sustaining this trajectory requires a successor with a similar mindset, competence, and developmental drive. Given his experience and achievements, Governor Makinde is arguably in the best position to recommend someone capable of continuing his legacy.
Of course, even if Governor Makinde successfully presents a candidate through his party, the PDP, the ultimate test lies in the general election, where the candidate must face opponents from other political parties. Winning elections in Nigeria depends on many factors, but the level of acceptability of a candidate remains one of the most critical. This makes the choice of a successor extremely important.
My Advice
Based on the foregoing, if Governor Seyi Makinde intends to successfully hand over to a successor in 2027, there are certain factors he must not ignore. He has already hinted that his preferred candidate would be younger than him—a decision that aligns well with public sentiment and demographic appeal. As an engineer with years of experience in the private sector, it is also unlikely that he would present a candidate without professional pedigree, so I will not dwell on that aspect.
However, there are other less obvious but equally important factors that must be considered, especially given that the main opposition party, the APC, will make every effort to reclaim Oyo State. This is even more significant in light of the political tension that followed Governor Makinde’s stance during the last presidential election. For this reason, sentiment must not override strategy. Power should not blind him into neglecting any critical factor.
1. Present an Ibadan Indigene
While the agitation for power rotation among other zones in the state is understandable, politics remains a game of numbers. Ibadan accounts for approximately 57% of Oyo State’s voting population. This reality means that Ibadan will continue to determine who becomes governor, unless the state is eventually divided. Ignoring this fact could be politically costly. If the PDP presents a candidate from another zone, the APC could simply pick an Ibadan candidate and gain a decisive advantage.
2. Present a Muslim Candidate
There is also a strong public sentiment that the next governor should be a Muslim, following eight years of a Christian governor. Nigeria is deeply divided along religious and ethnic lines, and while this may not be ideal, it remains a political reality that must be managed wisely. Presenting a capable Muslim candidate could significantly reduce religious tension during campaigns and increase overall acceptability.
3. Choose Someone with a Clean Slate and Political Experience
Oyo State voters place high value on political pedigree. Governor Makinde himself contested multiple elections before emerging victorious. The same applies to former governors such as the late Abiola Ajimobi and Adebayo Alao-Akala, who each built substantial political experience over time. Therefore, the successor should be someone who has been active in the political space, even if only at the local government or legislative level, and crucially, someone who is not new to the PDP in Oyo State. This will help strengthen party unity and boost morale going into the election.
If Governor Makinde can tick these three boxes—alongside presenting a younger candidate with professional competence and experience—then victory at the polls becomes highly achievable, especially given the goodwill and popularity he has built across the state.
Three Possible Candidates: My Informed Guesses
These considerations are unlikely to be new to the governor. As a politically conscious citizen of Oyo State, I will also hazard three educated guesses as to who Governor Makinde might present as his successor. These names are based strictly on the factors discussed above and are listed in no particular order.
1. Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbonjubola
Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola has been a key member of Governor Makinde’s administration from the beginning. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff, later as Commissioner for Environment, and currently heads the Ministry of Works. A trained architect and a relatively young technocrat, he has been deeply involved in the execution of the administration’s policies and projects. He also previously contested for the House of Representatives seat in Oluyole Federal Constituency, narrowly losing. As a devoted Muslim with both administrative and political experience, he fits many of the required criteria.
2. Engineer Akeem Olatunji
Engineer Akeem Olatunji is a grassroots politician from Oluyole Local Government in Ibadan and the current Chairman of the local government. He is widely loved within the PDP, having previously served as the party’s Public Relations Officer in the state. A devoted Muslim, a young professional, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, his candidacy would resonate strongly with party members. He is also believed to enjoy goodwill from the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, having once served under him. These factors position him as a strong contender.
3. Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide (Odidi Omo)
Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide represents Ibadan North-West/South-West in the House of Representatives and has served two terms since first being elected in 2019. Although slightly older than Governor Makinde, he is a seasoned legislator and a professional with solid credentials. There have been concerns regarding his religious stance, with some believing his conversion to Islam was politically motivated. Nonetheless, his legislative experience and technocratic background could make him a formidable candidate for the PDP in the 2027 governorship election.
John Oyelami writes from Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Oyelamijohn33@gmail.com
