Makinde Dismisses Defection Rumours, Opens PDP Ticket

…Urges aspirants to be loyal to people, not to him ahead of 2027 election

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has declared that the governorship ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State is open to all interested aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the announcement on Thursday during an iftar organised by the state government for Muslim faithful at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde said any aspirant who shows loyalty to the people and the development of Oyo State, rather than to him for personal gain, would receive his support.

Addressing speculations on social media that he was preventing potential aspirants from contesting, the governor said all interested party members were free to begin consultations and campaign activities.

“I have been reading on social media that I am holding down some aspirants of the party who want to take over from me,” he said.

“We have just broken the fast; you are now free to contest. Those who are interested can bring out their billboards and you can use the PDP logo; nothing will happen.”

Makinde also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public the new Electoral Act reportedly signed into law by Bola Tinubu.

According to him, clarity on the law is necessary to guide political parties and stakeholders as preparations begin for the 2027 elections.

“The election timetable is out and according to the timetable, I still have something to say about it. To be honest, as the governor of Oyo State, I am not sure of what they brought out as the Electoral Act. I have not seen it or laid my hands on it,” he said.

Makinde added that reports of two versions of the Electoral Act and the new Tax Act circulating in the public space were worrisome.

“If I, as a governor, have not seen the Electoral Act and I hear that two versions are in circulation, they must let the entire country know which one is authentic because it is like a reference book for the 2027 elections,” he stated.

He urged authorities to release the official document to ensure that political actors operate within the correct legal framework.

Makinde also encouraged aspirants interested in succeeding him after his tenure ends on May 29, 2027, to publicly declare their ambitions and present their plans to the people.

“Those that are interested in becoming the governor of Oyo State come May 29, 2027 should come out, show their faces and sell themselves to the people of Oyo State,” he said.

“Don’t be loyal to Seyi Makinde; be loyal to the people of Oyo State and the development of Oyo State, and you will have my support.”

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal; members of the state House of Assembly; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Dauda Makanjuola; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; members of the House of Representatives, government officials and religious leaders.