The question of who succeeds Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in 2027 has become the most delicate issue currently discussed in hush tones among members and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
WesternLifeNewsNG can authoritatively reveal that Governor Makinde’s succession plan may have taken shape and it points toward a surprising choice.
The governor, according to credible party sources, has concluded arrangements to hand over the PDP governorship ticket to a former Commissioner for Finance under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Mr. Abimbola Adekambi, who only recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adekambi’s Defection and the Hidden Game Plan
Mr. Adekambi, known for his technocratic background and financial expertise, announced his resignation from the APC last week in a formal letter addressed to the party leadership.
“I hereby formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC). This marks the close of a significant chapter in my political journey, one that began from the very inception of the party,” he wrote.
“Through seasons of growth and challenge, I have remained steadfast in my commitment, and I am grateful for the honour to contribute, in my own way, to the service and progress of our dear Oyo State.”
His exit, however, is far from ordinary. Insiders within the PDP told WesternLifeNewsNG that Governor Makinde personally initiated the move to bring Adekambi into the PDP fold, a move that has quietly been in motion for almost a year.
‘Makinde Doesn’t Trust His Party’ — PDP Chieftain
A PDP chieftain in Ibadan North-East Local Government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Adekambi’s recruitment fits a familiar pattern with the governor.
“The card the governor wants to play is not new. It’s unfortunate that Governor Makinde has not been able to groom a credible successor within the PDP,” the source lamented.
“He did the same thing with Chief Joseph Tegbe, whom he brought from APC to contest the Oyo South Senatorial ticket in 2023. Why is it normal for him to go outside the party to import candidates? It shows a lack of confidence in his own people, yet he’s talking about contesting for the presidency under the same party,” the source added.
Another insider within the Oyo PDP revealed that the governor’s plan to hand over the party’s governorship ticket to Adekambi could further deepen existing divisions within the party.
“Makinde’s firm grip on the party structure may help him impose a candidate, but it will not stop internal rebellion. Some members are already planning silent resistance, and anti-party activities during the election cannot be ruled out,” the source warned.
According to the source, while Governor Makinde’s influence remains strong across local party structures, many stakeholders feel sidelined and fear the PDP in Oyo may implode if the alleged arrangement mmaterialises.
Interestingly, the looming internal rift in Oyo PDP comes at a time when the party’s national leadership is already facing turbulence and uncertainty over its future direction. Party watchers believe that whatever unfolds at the national level could further complicate Makinde’s succession strategy.
A senior PDP member summed up the situation succinctly: “We are watching the governor closely. Let’s see how the national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan turns out, if it holds at all. Then we will know how to cross the bridge when we get there.”
