The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has declared that his allegiance will be to the people of the state, despite the endorsement he received from Governor Seyi Makinde.
Adekanmbi, who made the declaration while featuring on Arise TV’s Good Morning Show on Tuesday, said he would serve as a surrogate for the 7.9 million residents of Oyo State if elected governor in 2027.
He also pledged to sustain and build on the developmental achievements of the Makinde administration, insisting that his commitment would be to the people rather than any individual.
According to him, “The people of Oyo State own Bimbo Adekanmbi, and I am people-centric. I am going to be a surrogate to the 7.9 million people of the state as we will be elected to serve the interest of the entire state.”
Reacting to suggestions that his candidacy was part of a plan to secure a third term for Governor Makinde, the former commissioner for finance dismissed the notion, saying he would seek to become a “higher version” of the incumbent by consolidating his achievements.
Adekanmbi said Makinde had established enduring legacies during his two terms in office, adding that he would not abandon the governor’s accomplishments when he assumes office.
“I won’t discard the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde. I am going to carry on where he will stop on May 29, 2027,” he said.
On his emergence as the APM governorship candidate, Adekanmbi denied being handpicked or imposed by the governor, explaining that his candidacy followed consultations and engagements with key stakeholders.
He said the party’s candidates emerged through consensus, a process he claimed had helped to prevent rancour among members.
“The governor didn’t just sit down and draw the list of candidates of our party. Myself and other candidates of the APM emerged through consensus after consultations and engagements with the necessary stakeholders of the party,” he said.
Adekanmbi added that he had embarked on thank-you visits across the state’s political zones following his emergence and received a warm reception from party members.
He said the response demonstrated that the APM remained united in Oyo State.
Speaking on his qualifications for the governorship contest, Adekanmbi described himself as a professional problem solver with experience in addressing complex challenges in critical situations.
He recalled that while serving as commissioner for finance under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, he played a role in handling the Ibadan urban flood programme, which earned commendation from the World Bank.
The APM candidate also said he worked to ensure the independence of the Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue, enabling it to function more effectively.
