Makinde Still Consulting, Yet To Pick Preferred Successor – CPS.

Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed reports suggesting that he has already settled for a preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

The clarification was made by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, who stated on Thursday that no individual has been endorsed by the governor for the forthcoming race.

According to him, consultations within political circles and among relevant stakeholders are still ongoing, stressing that the process of deciding who will eventually emerge as the preferred candidate of the ruling party has not been concluded.

Olanrewaju explained that the rumours making the rounds were unfounded and should be disregarded, insisting that Governor Makinde has not publicly or privately announced support for any aspirant.

The reaction followed widespread speculation on Wednesday night that the governor had allegedly chosen Bimbo Adekanmbi as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.

Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance during the administration of late former governor Abiola Ajimobi, was said in the rumour to have secured the governor’s backing to contest under the platform of the ruling party.

However, Olanrewaju maintained that such claims were premature and inaccurate, reiterating that the governor is still engaging in consultations before any decision can be reached.

He emphasized that no official statement has been issued by the governor or the state government announcing any preferred aspirant, adding that political stakeholders and members of the public should rely only on verified information.

The governor’s aide further noted that discussions concerning the political future of the state are still ongoing, and any eventual decision would be communicated through the appropriate channels when the time comes.

The development has continued to generate reactions within political circles in Oyo State, as permutations and speculations ahead of the 2027 governorship election gather momentum.