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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has pledged not to interfere in the administration of his successor after leaving office in 2027, saying the next governor must be allowed to lead without undue influence.
Makinde made the commitment on Monday while hosting members of the Muslim community at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor said after completing his eight-year tenure, his priority would be to ensure a smooth transition and allow his successor to develop policies based on the needs and aspirations of Oyo residents.
“I won’t be a political godfather to my successor. After eight years of serving the people of Oyo State, I will ensure that there is a smooth transition and that whoever succeeds me is given the opportunity to develop and implement policies in line with the aspirations and yearnings of the people,” Makinde said.
He said political leadership should not be about controlling those who assume office after a public official but about serving the people and building institutions that would outlive individual administrations.
Makinde also urged voters ahead of the 2027 general elections to assess political candidates based on their competence, character and record rather than ethnicity or religion.
“Do not assess political aspirants based on ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations. Look at their competence, their character and their commitment to public service,” he said.
The governor said voters should consider what aspirants had achieved, what they could offer and whether they genuinely prioritised the interests of the people.
He further assured Oyo residents that his administration would remain focused on governance and development until the end of its tenure.
“Our remaining period in office will be dedicated to consolidating the achievements we have recorded so far and delivering more impactful projects and programmes for the benefit of our people across the state,” he said.
Makinde also thanked residents and the Muslim community for their support and partnership over the past eight years, assuring that his administration would continue to promote inclusive governance.
He said the government would ensure that all sections of the state continued to have a sense of belonging in its programmes and policies.
