Oyo State politics may soon start to witness a wave of resignations from members of the state executive council and other political appointees in the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This likely development follows the release of a revised election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which fixed party primaries between April 22 and May 20 in preparation for the 2027 polls.
Under the provisions of the new Electoral Act 2026, political appointees are prohibited from participating in party primaries either as aspirants or delegates unless they resign their positions before the exercise begins.
The law expressly provides that ministers, commissioners, special advisers and other holders of political appointments must step down from their offices before they can contest party primaries or participate in the delegate process.
For many commissioners and aides currently serving in the Makinde administration who are believed to harbour political ambitions, this provision means the window for remaining in office while preparing for elections is gradually narrowing.
Interestingly, Governor Makinde himself has recently moved to address the growing political conversations around the ambitions of some of his appointees.
Funny enough, not too many of the political appointees in the present government have acquainted themselves with the new Electoral Act.
The governor had openly asked members of his administration who are interested in contesting political offices in 2027 to publicly declare their ambitions.
Makinde made the declaration during the state government’s 2026 Iftar programme held at the frontage of the Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, where he urged aspirants not to conceal their political plans.
According to him, those interested in elective offices should openly show their intentions and should also feel confident of his support, provided their loyalty remains with the people of the state and the continued development of Oyo.
He said the directive became necessary following claims in some quarters that he had not given permission to aspirants within his government to pursue political offices.
“I have read on the social media that I have not given the go-ahead to political appointees who have ambitions to hold different political offices, including the governorship seat,” the governor said.
“So, henceforth, you are free. Whoever wants to contest for any position, bring out your billboards. And those of you who are bothered about the PDP crisis, add the party’s logo to the billboard, nothing will happen.”
Makinde also advised the aspiring politicians to contest their ambitions on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His comments are widely interpreted within political circles as an early signal that the political season in the state has effectively begun.
Despite the governor’s encouragement for aspirants to openly declare their ambitions, the provisions of the Electoral Act impose strict legal conditions that could compel many political appointees to resign sooner rather than later.
If anything, the new Electoral Act has clearly indicated that failure to vacate political appointments before participating in party primaries could expose aspirants to disqualification or post-primary legal challenges from rivals.
For that reason, many political office holders across the country are expected to begin stepping down from their positions months before the commencement of party primaries.
In Oyo State, where several members of the Makinde cabinet are believed to be interested in elective offices, the development may lead to a gradual reshuffling within the government structure.
Though few have formally declared their ambitions, it has been critically observed that consultations have already intensified behind the scenes.
Several commissioners and senior aides are reportedly considering bids for positions in the National Assembly, the Oyo State House of Assembly and other elective offices across their constituencies.
The most closely watched political contest remains the 2027 governorship race, which will become open following Makinde’s completion of his constitutionally permitted two terms.
This has naturally triggered interest among influential political figures within the ruling party and the larger political establishment in the state.
The possible exit of political appointees from government positions in the coming months may present both administrative and political implications for the state government.
While the possible departure of experienced commissioners could require replacements and adjustments within the cabinet, it is noteworthy that such may also help reduce distractions within the administration.
Those interested in political offices would have the freedom to concentrate fully on their campaigns, while those remaining in government would focus on governance and policy implementation.
Henry Odeh, writes from Ibadan.
E-mail: henry007mike@gmail.com