…pledges continuity of Makinde’s reforms
Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) for the 2027 general elections in Oyo State.
This was as he declared that the state would witness “continued development” and an expansion of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun agenda if elected.
Adekanmbi, who spoke at the party’s gubernatorial primary and affirmation ceremony held on Thursday, May 28, at the Watershed Events Centre on Wednesday, framed his emergence not merely as a political victory but as the continuation of a governance movement that, according to him, restored hope, dignity and confidence in public administration across the state.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were in attendance to monitor the exercise.
In his acceptance speech that repeatedly aligned his ambition with the legacy of Governor Makinde, the APM flagbearer vowed not to “slow down development” or “derail the Omituntun vision”.
“Today is not just another political gathering. Today is history speaking. Today is destiny unfolding,” Adekanmbi declared before party leaders, delegates and supporters.
The APM candidate paid glowing tribute to Makinde, whom he described as “the architect of modern Oyo State,” crediting the governor with transforming governance, rebuilding public confidence and repositioning the state for greatness.
“At a time when many had lost faith in governance, you restored confidence. At a time when politics was driven by bitterness and division, you chose inclusion, competence and compassion,” he said.
Adekanmbi, in his speech delivery, repeatedly emphasized continuity, with the politician promising to sustain and deepen ongoing reforms in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, tourism, technology and youth empowerment.
“The victory ahead is not just for a political party. It is a victory for continuity. A victory for development. A victory for competence. A victory for the ordinary people of Oyo State,” he declared.
In what appeared to be an early outline of his campaign manifesto, the governorship hopeful unveiled what he described as an era of “continued development,” promising governance that would reach grassroots communities, empower youths, uplift women and industrialise the state economy.
He said: “We are not starting a journey today. We are continuing a progressive movement already delivering results. Oyo State must continue to rise. Our pace of growth must continue.”
Adekanmbi also linked his prospective administration to the “Omituntun 3.0” agenda, promising stronger investment in security architecture amid rising concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.
Referencing recent abduction incidents in Oriire Local Government Area, he stressed the need for improved collaboration among security agencies and assured residents that protection of lives and property would remain central to his administration.
“The current security challenges confronting our people, including the tragic abduction incidents in Oriire Local Government, further underscore the urgent need for sustained investment, stronger collaboration, and improved coordination among our various security agencies,” he said.
“In Omituntun 3.0, we will continue to place the security of lives and property at the forefront of governance.”
The APM candidate also expressed appreciation to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in Oyo State, particularly Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, describing the relationship between both political blocs as one founded on mutual respect and collective commitment to the development of the state.
Adekanmbi equally praised the leadership of the APM under Otunba Fagbemi Adegbenro Peters for embracing what he called “a bigger vision,” assuring party faithful that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
“Together, we shall campaign peacefully. Together, we shall mobilize massively. Together, we shall win convincingly. And together, we shall govern responsibly,” he said.
Calling for unity within the party, the governorship candidate acknowledged fellow aspirants who contested alongside him, describing them as men of “capacity, character and competence.”
“This movement is bigger than any individual ambition, and the future of Oyo State is far more important than personal interests,” he stated.
In an emotional closing, Adekanmbi appealed directly to youths, women, workers, traders, artisans and farmers, assuring them that his ambition was rooted in service rather than personal glory.
“I seek not power for personal glory. I seek responsibility. I seek the opportunity to serve,” he declared. We shall not betray your trust. We shall not abandon the people.
“We shall not slow down development. We shall not derail the Omituntun vision. The fresh waters will continue to flow.”
Earlier, the Oyo state APM chairman, Otunba Fagbemi Adegbenro Peters, while officially presenting Certificate of Return and unveiling of Adekanmbi as the party’s elected governorship candidate, expressed confidence in the sustenance and continuity of Makinde’s vision.
Also unveiled at the APM primaries were other candidates who emerged for the three senatorial districts, 14 federal constituencies, and 32 state assembly seats.