Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has called on politicians jostling to succeed him in the 2027 governorship election to stop using criticism of his administration as their primary campaign strategy, stressing that he will not be on the ballot.
Speaking on Monday at the Hijrah 1448/2026 luncheon held at the Banquet Hall, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, the governor took particular aim at those focusing their campaigns on perceived shortcomings of his government rather than presenting clear alternative programmes to the people of Oyo State.
“I have seen a few people going around saying they want to become governor. I saw another one that they showed me yesterday saying he was the one who brought me into politics. Some even said I didn’t do some things,” Makinde said.
“I am not the one contesting for governor. The people of Oyo State have given me the opportunity to serve them. Go and tell them what you want to do differently. Stop abusing Seyi Makinde.
“Abuse Bimbo and his followers. You guys should abuse yourselves. I’m not in the league to contest for governor again. Why is it that Seyi Makinde did not do some things? Is that the message you are passing around as campaign? I have done my bit.”
The governor’s remarks were widely interpreted as a response to recent claims by popular broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, who had stated that he was among those who brought Makinde into the political race and deserved credit for the achievements of the administration.
Makinde, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term and is currently aligned with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), further declared that he would not act as a “godfather” to the next administration. He named the APM governorship candidates, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi and Hon. Muftau Open Salawu, as individuals who would be accountable directly to the people of Oyo State if elected.
He urged residents to demand concrete plans from all aspirants, focusing on how they intend to complete unfinished projects and correct any mistakes of the current administration, rather than engaging in personal attacks.
“So next time when people come to talk to you, tell them that it is where we couldn’t finish that they want to continue, and sort those things out. So that every mistake that we have made, they will correct it in the best interest of the people of Oyo State,” the governor stated.
Makinde maintained that his administration’s overall performance had earned public approval, and challenged voters to subject all candidates to rigorous scrutiny based on ideas, competence and measurable commitments ahead of the 2027 election.
The statement comes amid rising political activities in Oyo State as various candidates and parties position themselves for the next governorship contest.