Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has emphasized that the responsibility of selecting his successor in the 2027 gubernatorial election lies entirely with the citizens of the state, rather than political kingmakers or claims based on entitlement.
Speaking on Thursday in Ibadan during the inauguration of the zonal stakeholders’ consultative forum and engagement meeting on the 2026 Budget, Makinde underscored that the power to determine the next governor belongs to all qualified voters across Oyo State.
“Oyo has moved past the days when politics was driven by entitlement or empty slogans,” the governor stated. “Today, the electorate is more informed and discerning; they will back only those leaders who offer genuine plans and demonstrate the ability to deliver meaningful progress.”
Reflecting on his own journey to office in 2019, Makinde highlighted that true leadership is grounded in accountability rather than entitlement. He recalled the skepticism he faced due to his lack of prior political office, saying, “Back in 2018, as I sought the governorship, there was no precedent to measure me by-I had never served as a councillor or local government chairman. Yet, I appealed to the people to place their trust in me and evaluate my performance by my deeds.”
The governor called on political figures to prioritize policies and initiatives that tangibly improve citizens’ lives instead of indulging in political posturing. He explained that his administration’s strategy has been to lay out a transparent development plan for Oyo State-one that residents can scrutinize, assess, and hold the government accountable for.
Expressing confidence in the electorate’s continued support for leaders who champion progress, inclusiveness, and the welfare of the populace over personal gain, Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to participatory governance.
Regarding the 7th Stakeholders Consultative Forum, the governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to ongoing dialogue with the people during the budget formulation process. This engagement aims to capture the aspirations and priorities of Oyo residents, ensuring that development efforts reflect their needs.
He noted that this consultative approach, initiated in 2019, embodies a bottom-up model of governance designed to enhance service delivery. To improve fiscal management, his government separated the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning from the Ministry of Finance, a move that has strengthened resource oversight and minimized inconsistencies.
Makinde highlighted that these stakeholder consultations have contributed to improved budget execution and the state’s economic growth. He pledged to maintain efforts to create an enabling environment that safeguards public interests and attracts investment.
Pointing to rapid infrastructural development, the governor mentioned projects such as the Moniya-Iseyin Road, Iseyin-Ogbomoso Road, and Oyo-Iseyin Road, which have enhanced connectivity and curbed rural-to-urban migration by opening up rural communities.