Oyo 2027: Makinde’s Political Camp In Turmoil As APC Gains From APM Defections

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is facing growing political challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections, as reported defections, resignations and disagreements over his preferred successor, Bimbo Adekanmbi, threaten to weaken the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the state.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the growing discontent within Makinde’s political camp follows his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APM, alongside the emergence of Adekanmbi as the party’s preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The development has reportedly unsettled several political associates, grassroots mobilisers and former members of Makinde’s administration, some of whom believe they were sidelined in the succession process despite their contributions to his electoral victories in 2019 and 2023.

Adekanmbi, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance and banker, was adopted by the APM as its consensus governorship candidate in May 2026. Makinde, who is pursuing the presidency under the party’s platform, is backing him to succeed him when his second term ends.

The governor has reportedly viewed Adekanmbi as a candidate capable of sustaining his administration’s development agenda, including its emphasis on infrastructure, education and private-sector-led growth. However, critics within the political camp are said to have questioned whether the former commissioner commands sufficient grassroots support across Oyo State’s political zones.

The disagreement has reportedly contributed to tensions among party stakeholders in Ibadanland, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ibarapa, with some members describing the selection process as an imposition rather than a collective decision.

One of the most significant developments was the resignation of Makinde’s Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, who submitted his resignation on October 12, 2026. His departure has raised questions about the stability of the governor’s inner political circle, given Ogunwuyi’s influence in Ogbomoso and his experience in state and national politics.

The governor subsequently appointed Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as his replacement.

Another notable departure is that of Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo, the governor’s Special Adviser on Labour Matters and a former leader of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees. Titilola-Sodo has reportedly criticised Makinde’s succession plans, arguing that they undermine the political vision previously shared by members of the governor’s camp.

Former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja has also reportedly distanced himself from Makinde’s political project and aligned with the APC. His move is significant because of his previous roles in the PDP and his influence in the South-West political landscape.

Other prominent figures said to have moved away from Makinde’s camp include Senator Hosea Agboola, popularly known as Hallelujah, and grassroots mobilisers associated with the governor’s political movement.

Agboola, a former Senate Chief Whip, is regarded as an influential political figure in Oke-Ogun. His reported alignment with the APC, alongside other political stakeholders, could affect the balance of support in parts of northern Oyo State.

Hon. Femi Onireti, a former House of Representatives aspirant and PDP chieftain, has also reportedly joined the APC and taken up a role within the City Boy Movement in Oyo State. His departure could further complicate efforts to mobilise younger voters for the APM.

In another development, more than 1,000 APM members in Oluyole Local Government Area reportedly defected to the APC. The group was led by Hon. Mustapha Kazeem, popularly known as Oba Oluyole, and was received at the APC state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on October 2, 2026.

The report also identified Hon. Adedapo Ojo, the PDP candidate for Ibadan North-East State Constituency II, as another political figure who subsequently led supporters to the APC.

The reported defections have fuelled concerns that the APM could struggle to maintain the grassroots networks that supported Makinde’s previous electoral victories. In Oyo State, where local political structures and ward-level mobilisation play important roles in elections, the loss of experienced organisers could present a challenge for the party.

Beyond the high-profile departures, the report suggests that some serving political appointees and local government figures may be reluctant to campaign actively for the APM and Adekanmbi. Although they remain in their positions, their alleged lack of enthusiasm has raised questions about the level of support the governor can expect from within his administration.

The reported discontent is also linked to expectations among grassroots politicians who had anticipated receiving party tickets or other opportunities ahead of the 2027 elections. Some are said to feel disappointed by the emergence of Adekanmbi and the selection of other candidates without sufficient consultation.

Critics have further questioned Adekanmbi’s political background, noting that he previously served under an APC-led administration before becoming Makinde’s preferred successor. Some aggrieved party members reportedly regard his elevation as favouring an individual they consider less established within the grassroots structures that helped bring the governor to power.

The political implications extend beyond the governorship contest. Makinde’s presidential ambition under the APM may depend partly on his ability to retain a strong political base in Oyo State. A weakened state structure could complicate his efforts to build alliances and negotiate support nationally.

Adekanmbi, meanwhile, faces the challenge of securing broader acceptance within the party while preparing to contest against established political figures, including APC candidate Senator Sharafadeen Alli. He must also contend with allegations of imposition and the possibility that internal disagreements could affect campaign mobilisation.

The APM itself faces questions about its organisational strength and long-term viability in Oyo State. With several influential figures reportedly leaving the party or distancing themselves from its activities, its ability to maintain an effective presence across the state’s 351 political wards could become a decisive factor in the election.

Makinde has reportedly responded to the growing tension through meetings with political stakeholders, efforts to fill vacancies in his administration and engagements aimed at strengthening alliances and attracting supporters. His camp has also continued to promote the administration’s achievements and argue for continuity beyond his tenure.

However, it remains uncertain whether these efforts will be sufficient to reconcile dissatisfied political associates and restore confidence in the succession plan.

Despite the reported defections, the APC also faces the challenge of accommodating new entrants while maintaining unity among its existing members and aspirants. The movement of former Makinde allies to the party does not automatically guarantee their electoral success or acceptance by established APC stakeholders.

As the 2027 elections approach, the political contest in Oyo State is increasingly shaped by questions of party loyalty, grassroots mobilisation, internal democracy and succession planning.

Makinde retains the advantages of incumbency and his record in government, but the reported divisions within his political camp could complicate his efforts to secure support for Adekanmbi and advance his own presidential ambition.

Ultimately, the success of the APM’s strategy may depend on whether Makinde can reconcile competing interests, rebuild confidence among party members and demonstrate that his preferred successor can attract support beyond the governor’s immediate political circle.