As permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election gather pace, Seyi Makinde has directed his advisory council to engage aspirants within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a bid to identify a credible successor for the state.
Findings indicate that the council, chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Bolaji Ayorinde, has been mandated to interact with all governorship hopefuls under the party’s platform and recommend a candidate aligned with the administration’s “Omituntun 3.0” vision.
The move, insiders say, is designed to provide a level playing field for aspirants while allowing them to present their ideas and development blueprints for Oyo State. Invitation letters have already been dispatched, with several contenders responding.
Among those who have appeared before the council are Adedeji Olajide, representing Ibadan South-West/North-East in the House of Representatives; Nureni Adeniran; former commissioner Bimbo Adekanmbi; agribusiness expert Debo Akande; and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, among others.
Speaking in Ibadan, Ayorinde clarified that the exercise is not a formal screening process but an engagement platform aimed at understanding the aspirations and policy direction of each contender.
He disclosed that nine aspirants had already met with the council as of Saturday.
