The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has pledged to build on the developmental achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde if elected governor in the 2027 general election.
Adekanmbi, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, made the declaration while featuring on Arise TV’s Good Morning Show.
He said although Makinde had endorsed his candidacy, his primary allegiance would be to the people of Oyo State, whom he described as the owners of his mandate.
According to Adekanmbi, he would serve as a “surrogate” for the estimated 7.9 million people of the state rather than govern in the interest of any individual.
“The people of Oyo State own Bimbo Adekanmbi and I am people-centric. I am going to be surrogate to the 7.9 million people of the state as we will be elected to serve the interest of the entire state,” he said.
Addressing suggestions that his emergence as the APM candidate could pave the way for a third-term arrangement for Makinde, Adekanmbi dismissed the notion, saying his intention was to become a “higher version” of the incumbent governor by consolidating on his administration’s achievements.
He said Makinde had established what he described as enduring legacies during his two terms in office, particularly across critical sectors of the state.
“I won’t discard the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde. I am going to carry on where he will stop on May 29, 2027,” Adekanmbi said.
The APM candidate also rejected claims that he was handpicked or imposed on the party by Makinde.
He said his emergence followed consultations and engagements involving relevant stakeholders, culminating in a consensus process involving the party’s candidates.
“The governor didn’t just sit down and draw the list of candidates of our party. Myself and other candidates of the APM emerged through consensus after consultations and engagements with the necessary stakeholders of the party,” he said.
Adekanmbi said the process had helped prevent rancour within the party, noting that members had remained united despite concerns that the selection of candidates could trigger divisions.
He added that his subsequent visits to the various zones in the state to thank party members for their support were met with positive receptions, which, he said, demonstrated the unity within the APM.
Speaking about what distinguishes him from other contenders in the governorship race, Adekanmbi described himself as a professional problem solver with experience in finding solutions to difficult situations.
He said his professional background had prepared him to identify challenges, develop solutions and implement them, qualities he intends to bring to the governance of Oyo State if elected.
