Gov. Seyi Makinde has urged members of his administration and political allies not to let personal ambitions disrupt the collective mission of developing Oyo State beyond 2027. He gave the advice on Friday during a dinner with political stakeholders and appointees at his residence in Ibadan. A statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the governor's appeal for unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde noted that only 51 elective positions would be contested in the upcoming elections, despite Oyo State's population of approximately 10 million people. He stressed that these positions would be filled by a small number of individuals who would depend on broad public support to succeed. "Apart from the positions at the local government levels, the elective positions for the 2027 general elections are 51," he said.
The governor called on party leaders, stakeholders, candidates, and aspirants to remain united to sustain the progress initiated by his administration since 2019. He emphasized that the people of Oyo State expect the team to nominate credible successors capable of continuing existing development efforts. "It is only through continued unity and the success of the team that the people of the state can continue to reap the benefits of the administration," Makinde stated.
He reiterated his appeal for cohesion, saying the team must stay together to ensure the people of Oyo State benefit from ongoing projects and policies. The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Debo Ogundoyin, members of the state executive cabinet, and Rep. Adedeji Olajide, among other political appointees and associates.
Makinde warns against personal ambition even as he leads a political team positioned to dominate 51 elective slots in a state of 10 million people. The appeal for unity masks the reality that a few individuals will decide who fills nearly all top positions in the next administration. His call for collective focus does not change the fact that most citizens will have no direct electoral role in selecting these leaders. The process remains limited to insiders, regardless of how broadly the governor frames the public interest.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
