Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday cautioned residents against making the wrong choice in the 2027 governorship election, insisting that the decision on his successor ultimately rests with the people of the state.

His remarks came as leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State reaffirmed the adoption of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus governorship candidate, a move they said aligned with the position of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

Addressing concerns over discussions surrounding the possible emergence of Abimbola Adekanmbi as his successor, Makinde said his administration remains guided by competence and capacity rather than political affiliation.

“We are blind to party colouration; we are open to capacity that can move Oyo State forward,” the governor said.

He added that although he may recommend a successor, the electorate would have the final say.

“I will recommend a successor to the people of Oyo State, but the decision will rest with them. If they make a mistake by failing to vote for the right person, the impact will last for four years,” he warned.

Makinde reiterated that competence, capacity and developmental track record remained the key criteria in assessing leadership suitability.

The governor spoke at the 2026 Oyo State International Tourism Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

Meanwhile, APC leaders and stakeholders, during a meeting at the Prof Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said the adoption of Alli followed the party’s tradition of consensus-building and collective decision-making.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Pa Alarape Jolaoso said the process reflected extensive consultations and strategic alignment within the party.

According to him, the adoption also received the backing of President Tinubu and was consistent with the direction of the APC national leadership.

Also speaking, Senator Ayoade Adeseun said recent developments had vindicated earlier positions taken by party leaders on the direction of the APC in the state.

He expressed confidence that Alli would secure victory if a direct primary election was conducted and urged party members to remain united ahead of the 2027 polls.

Adeseun also called for reconciliation among party members, stressing that unity remained critical to the APC’s chances in the election.

In his remarks, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle said the consensus arrangement reflected loyalty to the party’s leadership structure, adding that the state executive committee and key stakeholders had already been briefed on the decision.

Other party leaders described the move as a step towards strengthening internal cohesion and improving the APC’s electoral prospects.