Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said he will announce his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election before the end of the first week of May.
Makinde disclosed this in a newsletter released on Saturday, noting that consultations with key stakeholders were ongoing.
The governor said he had engaged elders, religious leaders and other influential figures in the state, stressing that the process was being handled with a sense of responsibility.
According to him, although several aspirants have emerged as leading contenders, he has not endorsed any individual.
“We are approaching the point of decision. I have been consulting widely with elders, fathers of faith and other critical stakeholders. While some individuals have emerged as frontrunners, I have not disclosed my position to anyone. Any contrary claim is false,” he said.
Sources within the Peoples Democratic Party had earlier indicated that a screening panel set up by the governor had been engaging aspirants, with notable names including Commissioner for Education, Nureni Adeniran; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; former Deputy Governor, Taofeek Arapaja; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; and a federal lawmaker, Adedeji Olajide, among others.
On the platform for the election, Makinde said a final decision would be taken after the Supreme Court delivers its judgment on issues affecting the PDP.
“There have been questions about the platform we will adopt. For now, we await the Supreme Court’s decision regarding our party. Once that is done, we will clearly communicate our next steps,” he added.
The development comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship race in the state.
Recent speculations about alleged plots involving key political figures, including claims of moves against the governor and traditional institutions, have been dismissed by those involved as baseless.
