Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he will publicly announce his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election before the end of the first week of May.
In a newsletter released on Saturday, the governor said he has been consulting widely with elders, religious leaders, and key stakeholders, noting that several aspirants have already emerged as frontrunners.
“We are approaching that point of decision. I have been consulting widely with our elders, fathers of faith, and other critical stakeholders, and I remain fully aware of the responsibility that this decision carries,” he said.
Makinde stressed that he has not disclosed his preferred candidate to anyone, dismissing contrary claims as false.
Among those reportedly in contention are Nureni Adeniran; Segun Ogunwuyi; Taofeek Arapaja; Adebo Ogundoyin; and Adedeji Stanley Olajide.
On the platform for the election, Makinde said he is awaiting a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria regarding the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before making a final decision.
“There have also been questions about the platform on which we will proceed. For now, we await the decision of the Supreme Court regarding our party,” he said.
The announcement comes amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship race.
Recent speculation had linked former first lady Florence Ajimobi to an alleged plot involving Adebowale Ogundoyin to undermine the governor, claims both parties denied.
Similarly, Ayodele Fayose had alleged that Makinde was plotting the removal of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, but both the governor and the monarch dismissed the claim as baseless.
