Oyo Youths Reject Makinde’s Candidate, Question His 2027 Political Ambition
The Oyo State League of Professionals and Youths in Politics has rejected support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s preferred candidate, Hon. Adekanbi, saying its decision is based on concerns over local government autonomy, grassroots development and what it described as the need to protect the political interests of the region.
The group made its position known on Wednesday at an international world press conference addressed by its President, Adesola Adeniyi, who acknowledged what he described as the achievements of the Makinde administration but said those achievements would not automatically translate into political support for the governor’s preferred successor.
Adeniyi said the group believed that political decisions should be guided by issues affecting the future of Oyo State and the wider region, particularly the need to strengthen local government administration and expand citizens’ participation in governance.
According to him, the group’s major concern remains Makinde’s position on local government autonomy, arguing that a stronger local government system would provide greater opportunities for grassroots development, citizen participation and the implementation of programmes that directly affect communities.
“We acknowledge that Governor Seyi Makinde has done his best, but we cannot extend our support to his candidate because of the issue of local government autonomy,” Adeniyi said.
He argued that every politician has the constitutional right to contest an election, but political stakeholders must also consider the broader interests and opportunities available to their region when making leadership choices.
“Everybody has the right to contest, but we need to consider the chances of our region. Any politician whose interest is placed above his tribe, region or state is not worthy of being chosen as a leader,” Adeniyi stated.
The group’s president also drew comparisons with what he described as examples of political solidarity in other parts of Nigeria, arguing that political actors should consider how their ambitions affect the collective aspirations of their people.
He cited the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example of political support across interests, while also referring to Peter Obi’s presidential ambition and the wider political dynamics surrounding the 2023 election.
Adeniyi questioned what he described as the political direction of Governor Makinde after serving two terms in Oyo State, particularly amid discussions about his future political ambition.
“You are about to finish two terms as governor of one of the most enviable states and you think your next ambition should be to become a spoiler to the chance of your fellow tribe?” he asked.
The statement reflects the group’s political interpretation of the emerging debate over succession and regional political interests. It also signals concerns among some Oyo stakeholders about how the governor’s next political move could affect the aspirations of other political actors from the region.
The group further questioned Makinde’s level of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, with Adeniyi saying political leaders should recognise the importance of allowing elected officials to complete their constitutional tenure.
The local government autonomy issue has remained a major subject of debate in Nigeria, particularly following the Supreme Court judgment affirming financial autonomy for local governments. Makinde has previously expressed reservations about aspects of the autonomy arrangement while advocating broader devolution of powers and restructuring of the federation.
Adeniyi stressed that the group’s position should not be interpreted as a denial of the achievements recorded by the Makinde administration. Rather, he said, the organisation was concerned about the political direction of the state and the need for future leaders to prioritise grassroots development and wider regional interests.
The Oyo State League of Professionals and Youths in Politics said it would continue to engage political stakeholders and citizens on issues surrounding local government autonomy, youth participation, regional development and the 2027 political landscape.
