Politics in Oyo State has never been a simple contest of popularity. It is a complex chessboard shaped by history, regional balance, grassroots noises and structures, and the ever-moving alliances that define the state’s political culture. From Ibadan’s numerical dominance to the strategic importance of Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo, and Ibarapa, every governorship election in the state is decided not merely by ambition but by careful political calculation.
Now, as Mr Governor, Seyi Makinde gradually stares at the final stretch of his second term, we still can’t shy away from the questions of who will succeed him in 2027, which is steadily gaining momentum. In party meetings, political gatherings, and quiet backroom discussions across the state, the conversation of succession has begun to dominate political conversations even in religious spaces.
Makinde himself did not arrive at the Agodi Government House by accident. Before his eventual victory in 2019, he had contested elections, built networks across the state, and carefully studied the mechanics of winning power in Oyo. His emergence and re-election in 2023 were products of political patience, coalition-building, and a deep understanding of the state’s electoral dynamics.
That is why the question of succession carries enormous weight. Choosing a successor is not merely about endorsing another politician; it is about determining whether the political structure and governance philosophy that shaped the Omituntun administration will survive beyond 2027. It is also about protecting a legacy that has taken nearly a decade to build.
However, beyond the arithmetic of succession in Oyo State lies a broader and increasingly unavoidable reality, the internal instability within the Peoples Democratic Party itself. The lingering division between blocs aligned with Nyesom Wike and reform-minded leaders like Seyi Makinde has continued to cast a shadow over the party’s future ahead of 2027. If I were Makinde, this is not a crisis I would ignore. I would prioritise genuine reconciliation within the PDP, not just as a show of unity, but as a strategic move to preserve a credible political platform for both governance continuity in Oyo and national relevance.
However, politics is rarely driven by ideals alone. If reconciliation proves elusive and the party continues to drift without cohesion or clear direction, pragmatism would demand a Plan B. In that scenario, exploring alternative platforms such as the Accord Party or the African Democratic Congress would not be out of place, particularly as both parties have shown pockets of influence and could provide a more stable structure to protect the Omituntun legacy and secure a smoother succession pathway without the weight of internal divisions.
Now, viewed from that perspective, an interesting thought experiment emerges, if one were in Makinde’s position today, what kind of successor would be the most logical choice for Oyo State? The answer would not be based on sentiment or political convenience. It would be guided by the lessons of governance, the realities of electoral politics, and the responsibility of safeguarding the progress already made.
First, I Would Choose Someone From My Team
If I were Makinde, the first rule would be simple, the successor must emerge from within the team that has been part of the Omituntun journey. Governance is not a classroom exercise where every administration begins from scratch. Policies evolve over time, reforms take years to mature, and the institutional culture of government develops gradually. Those who have served within the administration understand the philosophy behind its decisions, the challenges that shaped them, and the delicate political balancing required to implement them. Choosing someone from within the team would therefore ensure continuity. It would mean the next governor does not spend months trying to understand the machinery of government or the strategic direction of the state. Instead, governance continues with clarity and purpose.
