The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, has rejected claims that he is a political surrogate of Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting that he would take full responsibility for his decisions if elected governor in 2027.
Adekanmbi made the clarification in a post on his official X handle on Tuesday, shortly after appearing on Arise News’ Morning Show, where he addressed suggestions that his candidacy was designed to help Makinde maintain political influence in Oyo State after leaving office.
“I do not have any godfather apart from the people of Oyo State. I will take responsibility for every decision I make,” Adekanmbi wrote.
During the television interview, the APM candidate also rejected the description of him as Makinde’s surrogate, saying his emergence followed consultations across different parts of the state rather than an arrangement imposed by the governor.
Adekanmbi said he would be accountable for every decision and action taken under his administration if elected, stressing that he was prepared to establish his own political direction rather than inherit the incumbent governor’s political liabilities.
“I’m no surrogate to Governor Makinde. The governor made it clear that I shouldn’t inherit his enemies or liabilities.
“I’m owning every action I take as governor, just as I have always owned my actions in life. I own it, and I’m prepared. I have my own manifesto and strategy,” he said.
He further explained that the emergence of candidates for various elective positions was not determined solely by Makinde.
According to him, the process involved consultations and public engagements with different sectors and regions of Oyo State.
“The governor did not just sit down in his office and drop a list. There was a process leading to the emergence of all the candidates.”
“There were public consultations and public engagements, with input from every sector and region of Oyo State. The governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates all emerged by consensus,” he added.
Source: X / Arise News
