The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, has pledged to provide independent and people-focused leadership if elected governor in 2027, rejecting suggestions that he would serve as a political “stooge” to Governor Seyi Makinde.

Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, made the declaration while featuring on the Morning Show programme of Arise Television, where he discussed his political ambition, governance experience and plans for the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Adekanmbi emerged as the APM consensus governorship candidate in May 2026 and has since commenced engagements with party stakeholders and residents across the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

He said his ambition was driven by competence, experience and a commitment to placing the interests of Oyo residents above personal and political considerations.

Adekanmbi also addressed concerns over his political relationship with Makinde and whether his administration, if elected, would merely continue the incumbent governor’s policies and programmes.

Asked if he could become a political “stooge” to Makinde, the APM candidate rejected the suggestion, saying such an arrangement was neither contemplated nor acceptable.

He said the governor had encouraged him to develop his own political relationships and chart an independent political course.

According to Adekanmbi, Makinde recently urged residents of the state to build personal relationships with him, indicating that the governor would not be expected to intervene unnecessarily in his political affairs.

He added that he had independently built relationships and networks across various parts of the state, making his primary responsibility one that was owed to the people.

“Recently, Governor Makinde cautioned residents to build personal relationships with me, as he would not play the role of prevailing on me unnecessarily. I have also personally built relationships and robust networks with the people across various regions of the state.

“So, if you ask me, I think I would be a stooge to the over 7.5 million people of Oyo State,” he said.

The APM candidate said his years of involvement in government had equipped him with practical knowledge of the opportunities and challenges confronting the state.

He also said his interactions with successive governors had enabled him to learn from their experiences, visions and shortcomings in the administration of the state.

“I have a robust relationship with all previous governors of Oyo State and I have been fortunate to drink from their wealth of experiences. They have also shared with me some of their visions for the state and some of their regrets, starting from the Great Lam, Senator Ladoja, Kabiyesi Olubadan, Governor Alao-Akala and, more engagingly, Governor Ajimobi,” he said.

Adekanmbi recalled his experience under the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, especially during the governor’s second term, when he was recalled into the cabinet shortly after its dissolution.

He said the experience provided him with an opportunity to contribute significantly to the administration.

The former commissioner said his approach to governance would be based on practical experience, competence and a clear understanding of the institutional and developmental needs of Oyo State rather than political rhetoric.

He, however, said continuity would be necessary in areas where existing government policies and projects were producing positive results.

Adekanmbi added that such programmes would be reviewed and improved where necessary to deliver better outcomes for residents.

He said his experience across different government responsibilities had prepared him to provide effective, independent and people-oriented leadership if elected.