Nigerians Will Show Politicians ‘Pepper’ in 2027, Says Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has declared that Nigerians are becoming more politically aware and may reject attempts by powerful political forces to influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde spoke on Wednesday during the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, where he also addressed issues surrounding succession politics in the state.

The governor expressed confidence that voters would play a more active role in the next election cycle, insisting that the era when citizens remained passive during elections was gradually fading.

“I believe that this election cycle, federal might will not work. It has worked in Ekiti State in both instances but this time around, Nigerians will show politicians pepper,” he said.

“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying.”

Makinde’s remarks come amid growing political realignments and early campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election.

The governor also spoke about the future of governance in Oyo State after the completion of his tenure, saying his administration had focused on building enduring systems rather than relying on individuals.

According to him, while he may recommend a preferred candidate, the final decision on who succeeds him rests entirely with the people of the state.

“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo State people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo State,” he stated.

Makinde warned residents against electing incompetent leaders, saying the consequences of poor leadership could negatively affect the state for years.

“But if you make a mistake and bring someone who will not do good work, it is a one-day event, but the impact will last four years,” he said.

“So, we must get it right. Leadership changes but systems, they endure. So, our focus has been deliberate.”

The comments come amid speculation that the governor may be backing former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanbi, for the governorship race.

The speculation intensified after Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, disclosed that lawmakers held what he described as a strategic breakfast meeting with Adekanbi, whom he referred to as the “consensus gubernatorial candidate” of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.

Responding to the growing debate over succession, Makinde said competence and loyalty to Oyo State would be more important than political party affiliation.

“People said ‘oh, so Seyi, you did not mentor anyone these seven years you have been in government that can take over from you without the taint of APC’? And I ask them that Morohunkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanbi, are they not from Oyo State?” he said.

“For us, if you’re from Oyo State, loyal to Oyo State, and have capacity, we will support you. We are blind to party colouration but open to capacity that can move Oyo State forward.”

The governor’s comments are expected to further shape political conversations within Oyo State as parties begin consultations and strategic alignments ahead of the next election cycle.