Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have thrown their weight behind Bimbo Adekanmbi as the preferred governorship aspirant ahead of the 2027 election in Oyo State, further strengthening the political succession plan reportedly backed by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The endorsement was led by the Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, during a high-level strategic breakfast meeting held at Adekanmbi’s residence in Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
According to a statement released by the Speaker’s media aide, Oyetunji Oyekunle, the lawmakers formally endorsed Adekanmbi as the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement ahead of the 2027 general election.
The political development comes only days after Governor Makinde publicly identified Adekanmbi as his preferred aspirant during a meeting with stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
Reports indicate that the governor later met with other governorship hopefuls within the political structure to ease tensions, explain his decision, and encourage party unity ahead of the next election cycle.
Wednesday’s endorsement also came shortly before the highly anticipated “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” an event expected to formally unveil a strategic political alliance between the PDP and the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State.
Sources within the political camp revealed that the breakfast meeting centered on early preparations for the 2027 election, grassroots mobilization, internal party stability, and the establishment of coordinated political structures across the state.
Speaking during the gathering, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin described Adekanmbi as a competent and experienced administrator with the capacity to sustain the developmental achievements recorded under Governor Makinde’s administration.
According to the Speaker, the lawmakers’ endorsement was not merely symbolic but a reflection of their strong belief in Adekanmbi’s leadership qualities, political experience, and understanding of governance.
Ogundoyin explained that the former finance commissioner possesses the exposure and administrative competence required to move Oyo State to a higher level of development. He added that the lawmakers believe Adekanmbi has the ability to unite different political interests and provide inclusive leadership for the people of the state.
The Speaker further emphasized that members of the House remain committed to supporting leaders capable of sustaining political stability, strengthening democratic institutions, and consolidating ongoing developmental projects across Oyo State.
He also highlighted the importance of early political consultations and grassroots engagement, stressing that unity and proper planning would play major roles in determining electoral success in 2027.
In his response, Bimbo Adekanmbi expressed appreciation to the lawmakers and party stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him, describing the endorsement as both a huge honour and a major responsibility.
The governorship aspirant stated that the support shown by the lawmakers goes beyond personal ambition and represents a collective desire to build a stronger, more prosperous, and united Oyo State.
Adekanmbi assured party members and supporters that he remains committed to inclusive governance and people-oriented leadership if eventually elected governor.
He pledged to build on the achievements of Governor Makinde’s administration, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, economic growth, youth empowerment, and social welfare.
The former commissioner also promised to continue extensive consultations across all geopolitical zones in the state in order to strengthen party unity and ensure that no group feels excluded from the political process.
Speaking further, Adekanmbi called on political actors and supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns instead of divisive politics capable of creating unnecessary tension within the state’s political environment.
Several lawmakers who attended the meeting reportedly described the endorsement as a strategic and timely move that would help reduce internal conflicts and strengthen the political structure of the Allied Peoples Movement ahead of the governorship contest.
Political observers believe the latest endorsement signals an early consolidation of support around Adekanmbi and may significantly shape the political landscape in Oyo State as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensify.
