The political landscape ahead of the Oyo State 2027 elections shifted dramatically on Thursday as Governor ‘Seyi Makinde openly backed the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Oyo chapter’s consensus candidates, Bimbo Adekanmbi, whilst making a passionate plea to the Federal Government regarding national security.
Speaking at a packed primary election and affirmation exercise at the Watershed Event Centre in Ibadan, the Governor urged the presidency to fast-track the creation of state police forces to tackle rising regional crime.
The high-stakes event solidified a burgeoning political alliance between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
During the meeting, Bimbo Adekanmbi governorship aspirations received a monumental boost as he was officially ratified alongside legislative nominees, including Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, who emerged as the APM senatorial candidate for Oyo South.
Makinde Makes Direct Call for State Police
Addressing the massive gathering of party loyalists, executives, and delegates, Governor Makinde shifted focus to urgent national security matters. He argued that decentralized law enforcement is now critical to protecting local communities.
The Governor stressed that the establishment of state police would improve local intelligence gathering and enhance the capacity of states to respond swiftly and adequately to security threats within their domains. He specifically urged the Federal Government to support state houses of assembly to accelerate the process of enacting the required legislation.
Turning his attention to local security crises, Makinde offered reassurance to families affected by recent criminal activities. While reassuring families and relations of the abducted children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state of their safe return, he added that right from the outset of his government, he had made security as one of the major pillars of his administration, adding that it would remain so.
Oyo State 2027 Elections: The Allied Peoples Movement Oyo Consolidation
The primary elections served as a showcase of internal cohesion for the Allied Peoples Movement Oyo branch. Across the nine local government areas of the Oyo South senatorial district, delegates arrived to affirm their candidates in an orderly exercise monitored closely by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, a two-term federal lawmaker currently serving in the House of Representatives, successfully secured the Oyo South senatorial ticket through this consensus framework. Reflecting on the transparent nature of his affirmation, Olajide made it clear that his legislative focus remains firmly rooted in public service rather than personal gain.
“This is not about personal ambition alone. It is about the collective aspirations of our people and the desire to bring quality representation, grassroots development and progressive leadership across Oyo south senatorial district,” Olajide stated.
The experienced lawmaker noted that his tenure in the lower chamber has provided him with the necessary legislative exposure, grassroots connection, and governance experience to represent the district effectively in the Senate’s Red Chamber.
Bimbo Adekanmbi Governorship Bid Gathers Momentum
The pinnacle of the day arrived when Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi, the state chairman of the APM, presented certificates of return to the newly minted candidates. Fagbemi described the Bimbo Adekanmbi governorship ticket as a unifying force, framing him as a “bridge builder” capable of sustaining the developmental strides achieved under the current administration.
Accepting the nomination, Adekanmbi vowed to protect the policy legacy of his predecessor and expand economic opportunities across the region. He assured the people of Oyo State that his administration would not derail from the Omituntun vision championed by the current administration. He promised the people of sustained development in every part of the state, adding that his administration would prioritize residents’ safety.
As the political machinery spins faster toward the Oyo State 2027 elections, Adekanmbi called on all stakeholders to bury individual grievances for the broader good of the public. The task ahead, he noted, demands shared commitment, mutual sacrifice, and an unwavering focus on regional prosperity.
