The governorship ambition of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, Hon. Bimbo Adekanbi, received a major boost on Monday as prominent Christian leaders, grassroots pastors, youth organisations and interfaith coordinators across the state declared their readiness to mobilise support for his electoral victory.
The endorsement came during a strategic engagement meeting held at the Assemblies of God Church, Obokun Street, Eleyele Poly Road Express, Ibadan, where various Christian groups pledged to deploy their extensive grassroots structures across the 33 local government areas of the state in support of Adekanbi’s governorship project.
The event, convened and coordinated by by the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, Reverend Femi Ibikunle, had in attendance, representatives of the Organization of Grassroots Pastors, Initiative for a Better Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), APM Christian Forum, National Youth Council Christian Forum, CYP Christian Youth in Politics, Cherubim and Seraphim Agbojesu groups, Concerned Christian Forum of Oyo Federal Constituency, Oke-Ogun Interfaith Coordinators, Ogbomoso Interfaith Coordinators, among others.
Speaking at the event, Reverend Feyisetan, Coordinator of the Organization of Grassroots Pastors, disclosed that the body possesses a robust leadership and mobilisation structure with strategic gatekeepers spread across all the 33 local government areas of Oyo State.
According to him, grassroots ministers and fathers of faith played decisive roles in Governor Makinde’s electoral victories recorded in 2019 and 2023, expressing confidence that the same network would once again be activated to ensure victory in 2027.
“We have structures and gatekeepers across the 33 local governments. In 2019 and 2023, God used fathers of faith and grassroots ministries to bring about positive political outcomes. We are prepared to repeat the same feat and deliver a resounding victory,” he said.
The cleric, however, urged Adekanbi to remain connected to the grassroots if elected governor, warning against operating an elitist administration that could alienate those who laboured for his emergence.
He appealed for practical economic empowerment programmes capable of transforming lives rather than initiatives that merely issue certificates without tangible impact.
“We do not want a government that forgets the grassroots after elections. The people who work tirelessly for your emergence should not be abandoned.
“What our people need is genuine economic empowerment that creates opportunities and transforms lives, not programmes that end with certificates.
“We also appeal that your doors remain open after victory and that access to government is not restricted because what we usually experience after victory is unimpressive,” he stated.
Leaders of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church and other Christian bodies present at the gathering commended Reverend Ibikunle for what they described as his principled and exemplary representation of the Christian community within Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
The groups also lauded his leadership style, noting that his integrity and commitment to fairness had earned him the trust and confidence of Christian stakeholders across the state.
Representatives of the Initiative for a Better Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) said their support for Adekanbi was driven by the desire to sustain good governance, quality leadership and improved welfare for citizens and residents of the state as witnessed under the present administration.
The organisation stressed the need for inclusive governance where opportunities and appointments would not be reserved exclusively for card-carrying politicians.
They called for a government that recognises competence, commitment and contributions from all segments of society irrespective of political affiliations.
The group subsequently declared its full support for Adekanbi’s governorship aspiration and vowed to commence immediate mobilisation efforts across communities and localities throughout the state.
“Our interest is good governance, responsive leadership and the comfort of citizens. We want an inclusive administration where opportunities are not limited to politicians alone. We are fully committed to this project and will begin grassroots mobilisation immediately,” an IBBN representative said.
Several speakers at the meeting also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for presenting what they described as a youthful, energetic and visionary successor capable of consolidating on the gains recorded by the current administration.
They assured Adekanbi that the vast numerical strength of Christian grassroots networks and congregations across the state would be transformed into electoral support.
The speakers further reaffirmed their confidence in Reverend Ibikunle’s leadership, describing him as a trustworthy and upright figure whose political directives have consistently attracted widespread acceptance among Christian stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Adekanbi expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to engage directly with the various Christian organisations and volunteer groups.
He pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him and promised to remain committed to the values of service, accountability and inclusiveness.
The governorship hopeful paid glowing tribute to Governor Makinde, whom he described as a God-fearing leader who has institutionalised responsive governance and people-oriented leadership in Oyo State.
Adekanbi specifically appreciated the governor for identifying him from the opposition APC and providing him with what he termed a rare opportunity to serve the people of the state.
“I remain grateful to Governor Makinde for the confidence he reposed in me. I will continue to work diligently every day to justify that trust until the very last day of my administration, if elected,” he said.
He also praised Reverend Ibikunle for his selfless contributions to both the Christian community and the broader development of Oyo State through promotion of peaceful coexistence among all the three major religions in the state.
On security, Adekanbi expressed deep concern over the plight of teachers and schoolchildren from Oriire Local Government Area who remain in captivity following a recent abduction incident, and called for a minute of silence in honour of the slain mathematics teacher killed by the abductors.
The former commissioner for Finance commended Governor Makinde and security agencies for their ongoing rescue efforts and expressed optimism that the remaining victims would soon regain their freedom and safely reunited with their families.
Speaking on his growing acceptance across the state, Adekanbi said the overwhelming support he has received since emerging as the APM governorship candidate reflects public appreciation for the achievements of the Makinde administration.
According to him, the governor’s developmental strides across multiple sectors have strengthened public confidence in governance and created a foundation upon which future administrations can built.
Adekanbi also used the occasion to advocate religious tolerance and unity, arguing that humanity transcends ethnic and religious differences. “All human beings are born into humanity. It is society and family influences that later create religious and ethnic distinctions. At the end of the day, God remains the Supreme Being whom everyone calls upon. The greatest religion is service to humanity irrespective of individual beliefs,” he stated.
He argued that quality infrastructure, social investments and policies designed to improve living standards are universal benefits that cut across religious boundaries.
According to him, responsive governance that lifts people out of poverty represents one of the highest forms of service and social transformation.
The governorship aspirant pledged that his administration would sustain Makinde’s culture of inclusiveness and fairness towards all religious groups if elected governor in 2027.
He also announced plans to embark on a statewide thank-you tour across the geopolitical zones of Oyo State to appreciate residents for their support following his emergence as the party’s standard bearer.
Adekanbi further emphasised the importance of continuity in governance, noting that no single administration can complete the task of development.
He argued that sustainable governance is achieved when successive governments consolidate on the achievements of their predecessors and strengthen institutions rather than abandoning ongoing projects.
Recalling Governor Makinde’s political journey to Agodi Government House, Adekanbi noted that the governor overcame numerous challenges before emerging victorious and urged supporters to prepare for a similar journey that would require sacrifice, dedication and collective commitment.
Responding to requests from the various religious and volunteer groups, the APM candidate assured participants that grassroots development would remain a central focus of his administration if elected.
He explained that his experience as Commissioner for Finance provided him with valuable insight into the unique developmental needs and challenges of different zones within Oyo State.
“I understand the peculiar challenges confronting our various communities at various zones because of the opportunities I have had to serve as a commissioner. That experience will guide our approach to development and ensure that no area is left behind,” he assured.
In his remarks, Reverend Ibikunle formally handed the project to the various Christian organisations and volunteer groups, urging them to take ownership of the mobilisation effort.
“It is your project; run with it,” he charged the congregants, while drawing loud applause from participants who immediately pledged to intensify mobilisation activities across the state.
The meeting ended with special prayers for Adekanbi’s victory at the polls and for the peace, progress and continued development of Oyo State, as well as renewed commitments by the participating Christian groups to work towards the success of 2027 governorship bid.