The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has affirmed Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State. The affirmation came during the party’s governorship primary election, held at the Watershed Event Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, on Thursday.

The APM State Chairman, Mr Fagbemi Adegbenro, said all party members across 351 wards unanimously supported Adekanmbi’s candidacy. He stressed that Adekanmbi’s contest for the governorship seat was in the right direction to ensure the continuation of good governance for the people of Oyo State.

Mr Adegbenro emphasized that party members had collectively agreed on Adekanmbi as their best choice for governor. He stated that their unanimous support for Adekanmbi’s candidacy demonstrated confidence in his ability to lead the state.

He then presented a Certificate of Return to the APM candidate. In his acceptance speech, Adekanmbi said if he eventually becomes governor, he would continue the progressive moves of Gov. Seyi Makinde, which he explained are already delivering results.

The APM candidate stated that he would continue Gov. Makinde’s efforts to develop education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, technology, and commerce sectors. He said, "We will build upon the foundation laid by Gov. Makinde to deliver development in these key areas."

He pledged that his administration would move the state into an era of continuous development. Adekanmbi further emphasized that he would continue to place the security of lives and property at the forefront of governance if voted in come 2027.

He appreciated the leadership and members of the APM and PDP for the successful coalition. In his remarks, Makinde appreciated the people for their support, especially during the course of his political realignment. He urged them to sustain the support for APM to emerge as the winner of the 2027 governorship election.

Makinde advised Adekanmbi to chart his own path to consolidate the achievements of his administration if he eventually wins the election. Speaking on security, Makinde said Amotekun was established in Ibadan when the nation delayed the creation of state police. According to him, the security outfit has been doing its best to secure lives and property in the state.

The Oyo governor noted that the establishment of state police should be the duty of state assemblies, and not that of the Inspector General of Police, as recently directed by the Federal Government. He stated that this policy would strengthen the security framework in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission witnessed the affirmation. Adekanmbi will now compete in the general election against other candidates, including the incumbent Governor Makinde.

The Oyo governor, while speaking at the event, appreciated the people for their support. He also urged them to sustain the support for APM to emerge as the winner of the 2027 governorship election. Adekanmbi is expected to face stiff competition from other candidates, including the incumbent Governor Makinde.

As the campaign season begins, all eyes will be on Adekanmbi as he strives to win the hearts of Oyo residents. His victory is far from certain, given the competitive nature of the governorship election in the state.