By Opeyemi Adelakun
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has challenged politicians seeking to succeed him in 2027 to stop dwelling on his administration’s shortcomings and explain how they would govern the state differently.
Makinde, who spoke at a programme in Ibadan on Monday, stressed that he would not be on the ballot in the next governorship election, having reached the constitutional limit of two terms.
The governor’s comments came amid heightened political activity in the state and a growing disagreement with Accord Party governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, a broadcaster with whom Makinde previously had a cordial relationship.
Makinde said aspirants should focus on presenting their own programmes to voters rather than making his record the centre of their campaigns.
“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,” he said.
“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 urged voters to scrutinise the proposals of all the candidates and demand specific plans for completing projects his administration could not finish and addressing areas where it fell short.
He said the next governor should be judged not merely by criticism of the incumbent administration but by the ability to provide practical solutions.
“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,” Makinde said.
“So that every mistake that we have made, they will correct it in the best interest of the people of Oyo State.”
The governor appeared to be responding in part to claims made by Hamzat, who has asserted that he played a role in bringing Makinde into politics and deserves recognition for some of the administration’s achievements.
Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party in January 2026 and later emerged as the party’s candidate at its primary in May.
His emergence has added a new dimension to the political contest, particularly against the backdrop of his previously close relationship with Makinde.
Makinde had acknowledged their relationship in 2022, saying Hamzat’s commitment to the emancipation of the masses was among the qualities that brought them together. He also said they had known each other before he became governor, although they occasionally disagreed over government-related issues.
Hamzat has since claimed that he was among those who encouraged Makinde to enter the governorship race and that he supported the governor because he believed Makinde would work in the interest of Oyo residents.
The relationship has, however, become strained as both men now occupy opposing positions in the emerging 2027 political contest.
Makinde, whose second term expires in 2027, urged his supporters to remain focused on the programmes and records of the candidates seeking to replace him.
He said political campaigns should provide voters with clear alternatives rather than revolve around attacks on his administration.
The governor also urged the electorate to demand accountability from all aspirants and determine how their proposed policies would build on existing achievements while correcting identified shortcomings.
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