The political landscape of Oyo State is showing fresh turbulence as indications surface that former Commissioner Bimbo Adekanbi, who served under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, is on track to clinch the PDP ticket for the Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 elections. Sources close to the former commissioner’s camp, as reported by (link unavailable), suggest a strategic move from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly backed by Governor Seyi Makinde. This development follows a pattern of cross‑party maneuvering observed in recent Oyo political dynamics, where loyalty shifts and party tickets are being fiercely contested.
Bimbo Adekanbi, a Business Engineer at Spartan BizEng, held a pivotal role in Oyo’s Executive Council from 2011 to 2019, serving as Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning under Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Although he remained loyal to the APC and even contested the Oyo South Senatorial seat in 2023 without success, recent appointments—most notably his chairmanship of the Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee by Governor Seyi Makinde (PDP)—have positioned him as a key figure bridging both parties.
Information gathered indicates that Adekanbi is in the process of formally decamping from the APC to the PDP, a move that aligns with Governor Makinde’s apparent strategy to consolidate PDP strength in the upcoming 2027 elections. The governor’s influence is cited as a decisive factor in awarding the Oyo Central ticket to Adekanbi, despite his longstanding affiliation with the opposition party.
For context, former Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, Lukman Oyebisi Ilaka (PDP), has contested the Senate four times without victory. His repeated failures underscore the competitive nature of Oyo’s senatorial races and highlight why the PDP may view Adekanbi’s entry as a fresh opportunity to break the stalemate.
Oyo politics is currently marked by intense inter‑party competition and shifting loyalties. Recent reports (e.g., “2027 Guber elections in South West”) note heightened activity across the Southwest, with figures like Bayo Adelabu (APC) declaring intentions for the gubernatorial seat, while Makinde’s PDP remains dominant at the state level. This backdrop amplifies the significance of the Oyo Central ticket.
Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly affirmed that Oyo belongs to the PDP, a stance reinforced during party campaign flag‑offs and by‑election victories. The addition of a high‑profile candidate like Adekanbi could strengthen the party’s hold on the Central district, complementing Makinde’s broader consolidation agenda.
Should Adekanbi secure the PDP ticket, it would represent a rare crossover of an APC stalwart into a PDP stronghold, potentially reshaping voter alignments. It also signals Makinde’s willingness to leverage experienced administrators, irrespective of party origin, to bolster electoral prospects.
Verification Challenges
While multiple outlets echo the possibility, concrete confirmation from the PDP hierarchy or INEC filings remains absent. Cross‑checking with official statements, party press releases, and electoral body notices is essential to verify the authenticity of the ticket allocation.
No public statements from either the PDP national secretariat or Adekanbi’s camp have been documented at the time of writing. However, grassroots mobilization efforts (as seen in Agboworin’s PDP meetings) suggest underlying party preparations for 2027, which may include accommodating new entrants like Adekanbi.
The 2027 general elections in Oyo State are expected to be a battleground for both APC and PDP, with senatorial races being a crucial determinant of legislative balance. The outcome of the Oyo Central ticket could set a precedent for similar cross‑party negotiations across the Southwest.
In summary, the emergence of Bimbo Adekanbi as a potential PDP candidate for Oyo Central is a noteworthy development steeped in shifting party loyalties and strategic political calculus. Continuous monitoring of party declarations, official filings, and voter sentiment will be key to understanding the full impact of this possible ticket transfer.
