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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has drawn a line under his political future in the state after 2027, declaring that he will not become a political godfather or seek to control his successor once his eight-year tenure expires.
Makinde made the position known on Monday at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon organised for members of the Muslim community at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the governor said his concern after leaving office would be to ensure a smooth and peaceful transfer of power and give the next administration the freedom to govern according to its own vision.
He said governance should be about serving the people rather than controlling those who come after.
Makinde urged the electorate to look beyond religion, ethnicity and other primordial sentiments when deciding who should govern the state in 2027.
He called on voters to examine the competence, character, integrity and public-service record of every aspirant before casting their ballots.
The governor said political power must not be used to advance personal interests or establish a system of perpetual control, stressing that the real test of leadership is the difference an administration makes in the lives of ordinary citizens.
He assured residents that his administration would use the remainder of its tenure to consolidate existing achievements and complete additional projects and programmes capable of delivering socioeconomic benefits across the state.
Makinde also thanked the people of Oyo State for their support throughout his tenure and praised the Muslim community for its continued partnership with the government.
He reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance and promised that the government would continue to pursue policies aimed at strengthening development, peace, stability and prosperity in the state until the end of his administration.
