Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, known as Odidiomo, have publicly backed Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi as the consensus governorship candidate for Oyo State under the Team Seyi Makinde political structure ahead of the 2027 elections. Both Ajadi and Olajide emerged as consensus senatorial candidates for Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts, respectively, during a high-level meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde and other key political figures in Ibadan. At the meeting, Ajadi declared full support for Adekanmbi, stating, "I throw my full support behind Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi as the consensus governorship candidate chosen by our political leaders through a unified process." He described the selection as a reflection of unity, consultation, and collective resolve within the political family.
Ajadi emphasized that the arrangement demonstrated political maturity and strategic direction, adding that the goal was to secure victory for all Team Seyi Makinde candidates in 2027. He stated, "Our mission is clear. Every candidate under Team Seyi Makinde must emerge victorious in 2027. We are not leaving anything to chance because the people of Oyo State have seen the results of purposeful leadership and responsible governance." He reaffirmed the coalition's commitment to inclusiveness, youth participation, infrastructural development, economic expansion, and improved welfare for residents.
Odidiomo echoed Ajadi's sentiments, expressing gratitude to stakeholders for the confidence placed in the selected candidates. He said, "This is not about individual ambition alone; it is about protecting the future of Oyo State and consolidating on the achievements already recorded." He assured party supporters that the candidates would work together to deepen democratic dividends. Deputy Governor Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal was present at the meeting and reportedly congratulated Adekanmbi and the senatorial candidates. Adekanmbi's emergence has sparked political discussion, with supporters viewing it as a move to sustain the governance philosophy of Governor Makinde.
Ajadi champions unity while backing Adekanmbi, yet leads a senatorial bid that splits focus from the governorship project he claims to unify behind. The same political structure preaching collective resolve is fielding its own members for Senate while urging others to rally behind a single governorship candidate. If consensus is the new standard, then Ajadi's dual role as senatorial aspirant and chief cheerleader for Adekanmbi raises questions about whether unity is being used to centralize power. The push for continuity under Makinde's banner now depends on balancing competing ambitions within the same political camp.
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