2027: Makinde eyes Bimbo Adekanmbi as successor, PDP will sweep Oyo – Diran Odeyemi

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

​ A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Diran Odeyemi, has set the political stage for the 2027 elections in Oyo State by identifying former Commissioner for Finance, Abimbola "Bimbo" Adekanmbi, as the likely anointed successor of Governor Seyi Makinde.

​Speaking on the shifting political tides in the state, Odeyemi characterized the potential emergence of Adekanmbi as a "game-changer" that would redefine the ruling party’s internal dynamics.

 Adekanmbi, a former APC stalwart who served under the Ajimobi administration before joining the PDP, is increasingly seen as a key ally of the incumbent governor, especially following his recent high-profile appointment to lead the Ibadan Airport upgrade project. Odeyemi suggested that Makinde’s preference for the former finance boss is a calculated move to ensure technical competence and administrative continuity in the state.

​However, the political strategist warned that this choice would not come without friction. He predicted that the "Bimbo Adekanmbi factor" would likely lead to a significant shake-up within the Governor's camp, as other aspirants and long-term loyalists might feel sidelined by the rise of the former opposition figure. According to Odeyemi, while this could lead to a temporary fracture, it is a necessary evolution of the PDP's strategy to maintain its hold on the Agodi Government House.

​Despite the anticipated internal ripples, Odeyemi remained bullish on the PDP's prospects, asserting that the party remains the only viable vehicle for victory in 2027.

 He dismissed the opposition's chances, noting that the combination of Governor Makinde’s incumbency power and the strategic inclusion of figures like Adekanmbi makes the PDP nearly invincible. He maintained that regardless of the noise from other parties, the governorship seat is destined to remain with the PDP once the Governor officially unveils his transition plan.

​The veteran strategist concluded by noting that the state is entering a period of "political realignment," where the Governor’s ability to sell Adekanmbi to the party’s rank and file will be the defining factor of the next election cycle.