The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for his assertion that he will influence the choice of his successor in the upcoming 2027 elections.
During an event on Thursday, where he received the report from the Committee on the Review and Update of Public Service Rules and Other Regulations in the State Civil/Public Service, Makinde stated he would play a role in deciding who will take over the Agodi Government House after his tenure ends.
The governor said, “So, I want to say thank you to this committee. It has taken almost a year to get here but I still have two years and seven months left.
“Those who are campaigning to be the next governor would still have to wait because I will be here till May 29th, 2027. And I will also have a say in who is going to become the next governor.”
“I may not have my way because it is Oyo State people that will decide but I will have a say, especially for those in the PDP. They have me to contend with. I am still the one controlling the structure,” Makinde added.
In response, AAC Oyo Chair, Kayode Babayomi, issued a statement condemning Makinde’s comments as a threat to democratic values.
The party described his statements as not only disrespectful but indicative of a dictatorial mindset.
The AAC said: “This statement is not only demeaning but also a threat to our democracy and shows the dictatorial tendencies of the Agodi emperor.
“Through this statement, Governor Makinde has confirmed to the people of Oyo State that their choice of who will lead them beyond 2027 doesn’t matter, a clue on his plans to rig the election and truncate the will of the people of Oyo State.
“The people of Oyo State are clairvoyant enough to understand Mr Makinde’s statement and they will respond accordingly when the time comes.
“We in the African Action Congress in Oyo State are sounding a warning to the governor that as far as we are practising democracy, the will of the people must prevail at all times.
“Governor Makinde’s emperor-styled regime has been on display since his first tenure, the “give and take” card he played during the last dispensation will no longer work in Oyo State. The people are wiser now and his media packaging of emptiness, bad governance, empty promises, petty and cosmetic projects has been unravelled.”
The AAC pledged to implement strategies to ensure that the Makinde-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is ousted from power in the 2027 elections.
“We want to assure Makinde that the 2027 election will not be business as usual.
“The good people of Oyo State cannot wait to show the Seyi-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the way out of the State House, off to the dustbin of history.
“AAC, as the only alternative, is ready to rescue the state alongside the people, as we continue to stand by the people,” the statement concluded.