The Coalition for Progress (CP) has expressed doubts over Governor Seyi Makinde’s ability to produce a successor in the 2027 governorship election, citing growing political divisions within the ruling camp and the emergence of multiple political tendencies allegedly linked to the governor’s former allies.
The group, through its Convener, Hon. Adelani Fajimi, stated that the political landscape in Oyo State has become increasingly fragmented ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
Reacting to the unveiling of Ogbomoso-born Engr. Muftau Open Salawu as the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the group argued that the developments within and around the ruling political structure have significantly weakened Governor Makinde’s capacity to determine who succeeds him.
According to Hon. Fajimi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which brought Governor Makinde to power, has become divided into various tendencies and political blocs, many of which are being championed by individuals who were once close political associates of the governor.
The Coalition for Progress identified the emerging blocs as the PDP Wike faction reportedly led by former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; the PDP Turaki faction associated with Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; the Accord Party under Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; the African Democratic Congress (ADC) being promoted by Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, Chief Bisi Ilaka and Chief Adegboyega Taofeek; and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which is said to enjoy the support of former Majority Leader, Alhaja Mulikat Adeola.
“These political formations are not being driven by strangers. They are led by individuals who have worked closely with Governor Makinde at one time or another and who possess significant political structures across the state,” Hon. Fajimi said.
The group maintained that many of the political gladiators spearheading these platforms are dissatisfied with the current political direction of the governor and are determined to challenge his influence in the forthcoming governorship election.
CP further alleged that the emergence of former APC chieftains, Mr. Bimbo Adekambi and Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, as the Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates of the APM has generated discontent among several stakeholders within the governor’s political camp and among some members of the splinter groups.
According to the group, the level of dissatisfaction among political stakeholders loyal to Governor Makinde is steadily growing, with many expressing reservations over recent political alignments and decisions.
“The crisis confronting Governor Makinde’s political camp appears deep-rooted and may prove difficult to resolve before the 2027 governorship election. The growing number of dissatisfied stakeholders and competing political interests poses a serious challenge to any succession arrangement being contemplated,” Hon. Fajimi stated.
The Coalition for Progress also observed that while divisions appear to be widening within the governor’s camp, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued efforts to reconcile aggrieved members and strengthen its grassroots structures across Oyo State.
According to the group, the APC’s reconciliation initiatives and renewed mobilisation efforts have positioned the party as a formidable contender in the race for the Agodi Government House in 2027.
Hon. Fajimi concluded that the combination of political fragmentation, unresolved grievances among former allies and the emergence of multiple competing political platforms could significantly reshape the political equation in Oyo State and make the 2027 governorship election one of the most fiercely contested in the state’s history.
