Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has told politicians seeking to succeed him in 2027 to stop attacking his administration and instead explain what they intend to do differently if elected.
Makinde said governorship contestants should focus their campaigns on presenting their plans to the people of Oyo State rather than making his administration the centre of their political messaging.
The governor made the remarks while speaking at a programme in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday.
What Happened?
Makinde’s comments came amid criticism from politicians seeking to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The governor specifically referred to a recent claim by popular broadcaster and Accord governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, regarding his role in Makinde’s emergence in politics.
Makinde also noted that some politicians had been speaking about things his administration had allegedly failed to accomplish.
In response, he urged those seeking to become the next governor of Oyo State to tell residents what they would do differently rather than focusing their campaigns on attacking him.
Makinde stressed that he would not be contesting the 2027 governorship election, having already served the people of the state with the opportunity they gave him.
What Makinde Said
The governor said he had noticed several people expressing their intention to contest for governor while also making claims about his political history and record in office.
“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.
“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.”
Makinde further questioned why contestants would make alleged shortcomings in his administration a central part of their campaign message.
He added that he had completed his own part of the assignment given to him by the people of Oyo State.
The Political Positions
Makinde’s position is that politicians seeking to replace him should present their own programmes to the electorate and explain how they intend to address areas where his administration may not have completed its work.
The governor also rejected the focus on personal attacks, telling those involved in the emerging political contest to direct their attention towards their own political ambitions and plans.
The remarks come as attention gradually shifts towards the 2027 governorship contest in Oyo State, with politicians positioning themselves ahead of the election.
However, the material surrounding Makinde’s comments does not provide a detailed response from Hamzat or other governorship aspirants to the governor’s latest remarks. Their positions should therefore not be inferred beyond what has been stated.
What The Governor Is Asking Voters To Do
Makinde also urged residents to question every governorship contestant about how they intend to build on the achievements of his administration and address areas where it fell short.
He said voters should demand specific answers from politicians seeking their support rather than allowing the election campaign to revolve solely around criticism of his administration.
Makinde said:
“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.”
What This Means Politically
Makinde’s intervention places the performance of his administration and the question of what should come next at the centre of the emerging 2027 political conversation in Oyo State.
While contestants are expected to scrutinise the record of the outgoing administration, the governor is challenging them to go beyond criticism by presenting their own alternatives to voters.
His comments also reinforce the fact that the 2027 contest will involve a debate over both the achievements and unfinished business of the current administration.
For prospective candidates, that could mean having to explain not only what they believe Makinde got wrong, but also how they would address those issues differently if entrusted with the state’s leadership.
Why The 2027 Contest Matters
Makinde will not be on the ballot in the 2027 Oyo governorship election, according to his own remarks, meaning the contest will ultimately be about who takes responsibility for the state after his tenure.
His challenge to aspirants is therefore straightforward: instead of making attacks on the incumbent the central message of their campaigns, they should tell Oyo residents what they intend to do, what they believe should be improved and how they plan to address unfinished projects or shortcomings.
The emerging contest is likely to keep attention focused on the record of the present administration while also requiring those seeking to succeed Makinde to define their own political programmes.
For voters, the governor’s message is that the debate should extend beyond criticism and towards what each contestant is prepared to offer Oyo State.
The significance of the coming contest will ultimately depend on how the different aspirants present their records, policies and plans to the electorate as the 2027 election approaches.
