Oyo 2027: APM Candidate Denies Being Makinde’s Surrogate

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Abimbola Adekanmbi, has dismissed claims that he is a political surrogate of Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Adekanmbi, who spoke during an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, said he was prepared to take full responsibility for his decisions and actions if elected governor of the state.

He stressed that his aspiration was based on his own vision for Oyo State, adding that he had developed a personal manifesto and strategy for governing the state.

According to him, he would not inherit the political liabilities or enemies of the incumbent governor if elected.

“I’m no surrogate to Governor Makinde. The governor made it clear that I shouldn’t inherit his enemies or liabilities,” Adekanmbi said.

The APM candidate added that he was ready to be judged by his own actions and performance, rather than be assessed as an extension of the incumbent administration.

“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.

Adekanmbi also rejected the suggestion that the emergence of candidates on the platform was solely determined by Governor Makinde.

He explained that the process involved consultations and engagements with stakeholders across different sectors and regions of Oyo State.

“The governor did not sit in his office and simply drop a list. There was a process that led to the emergence of all the candidates,” he said.

“There were 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 through consensus,” Adekanmbi added.

The candidate’s comments come amid political debates over the succession battle in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, particularly concerning the influence of the incumbent administration on the emergence of candidates.

Adekanmbi, however, maintained that his candidacy should be judged on his own plans, leadership capacity and proposed policies for the people of the state.