Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, have endorsed former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
The endorsement followed a strategic breakfast meeting held on Wednesday at Adekanmbi’s residence in Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, where discussions reportedly focused on the political future of the state, party unity, and sustaining the developmental strides of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
Speaking after the meeting, Speaker Ogundoyin described the engagement as productive and centred on strengthening democratic values, progressive leadership, and continuity in governance.
According to him, the lawmakers and Adekanmbi deliberated on grassroots development, good governance, and the need for political leaders to place the interests of the people above personal ambitions.
“Our discussion centred on the future of Oyo State, party unity, progressive leadership, and the need to continue building on the remarkable achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration,” Ogundoyin stated.
He added that the meeting was marked by sincerity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the continued progress and sustainable growth of Oyo State.
Hon. Adekanmbi, 51, is a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State and is widely regarded as an experienced technocrat with a strong background in banking, finance, and public administration.
Political observers note that Adekanmbi’s emergence has gained momentum following public support from Governor Seyi Makinde, who recently defended his decision to work with individuals with opposition political backgrounds, insisting that competence and commitment to the state remain more important than party affiliations.
Makinde had dismissed criticisms over the inclusion of former APC members within his political structure, stressing that governance should be driven by capacity and loyalty to the development of Oyo State rather than partisan considerations.
Supporters of Adekanmbi believe his financial expertise and administrative experience could help sustain ongoing gains in infrastructure, economic development, and governance reforms recorded under the current administration.
However, the growing alliance has continued to attract criticism from opposition parties, including the African Action Congress (AAC) and factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), with some political actors questioning the strength and long-term stability of the emerging coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The political development is expected to intensify discussions within Oyo’s political landscape as consultations, alignments, and possible campaign activities gradually gather momentum across the state.
PHOTO CREDIT: FROM SPEAKER OGUNDOYIN
