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Oyo Citizens Will Determine Who Succeeds Me In 2027 – Makinde
Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde said he will show the people who he would prefer to succeed him in office. He, however, said it will be left in the hands of the residents of the state to choose who will be Governor after him.
The governor stated in his bi-monthly newsletter published online where he explained the stand became imperative in view of some people showing concerns on what next for him and whether the next Governor would not remove some of his efforts.
He said his administration has redefined governance and showed the people of the state what is possible with strategic thinking and targeted implementations.
He noted that residents would decide the destiny of the State by choosing his successor, though he will reveal to them the individual he will support for the state to continue on the trajectory of sustainable development and transformation.
The Governor added since he has a little over two years in office, residents should look forward to more deliverables in the areas of infrastructure development, tourism, agribusiness and solid minerals development towards further expanding the economy of the state.
Governor Makinde, who made a reference to the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio, to the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub said the state has received recognitions from the international community for the efforts put into agriculture.
The Governor said that through its dependence on data, science and logic to drive agribusiness, the state has been able to achieve tremendous results, adding that President Bio was so impressed with the state’s agribusiness policies and efforts that he invited him to Sierra Leone for further engagements.
Makinde said: “It has been a very exciting week for us in Oyo State. We have received a lot of recognition from the international community for the work we have so far done in agriculture.
“I must say that when we started putting in the work over five years ago, we did not do it for the accolades. We did it because data, science and logic supported our decision to make agribusiness one of the core sectors through which we would move our people from poverty to prosperity.
“In doing this, we have taken the path less travelled. We have followed a strategic pathway that is not mainstream.
“I have spoken about how instead of buying tractors that the government may not be able to maintain, we have collaborated with the private sector to provide counterpart funding for our smallholder farmers.
“We have tested and seen what worked and what didn’t so that when we do this again, we will score higher than the abysmal 5 per cent success we just recorded.
“For example, we will spend more time communicating the policy and ensuring that our farmers know about the project and how it will be run. We will also ensure that any bureaucratic bottlenecks that exist are eliminated.
“We know that the only way to success is to embrace failure and learn from it. That is what has happened even with the Fasola project, which is getting us international acclaim. We ambitiously thought we could finish the project within one year. Well, we didn’t. But we have learnt so much from that pilot project, which we are implementing as we move to Eruwa and Ijaiye
“So, in the midst of all these developments, many have been asking – we have two years to go. What next? How do we know the next person won’t come and remove the foundation our administration has laid and is building on.
“The truth is, it is in the hands of the people of Oyo State to chart a new path and decide their destiny. You gave me the opportunity to serve you, and so you will also decide who will serve you next.
“As I stated during the 11th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture a few days ago, sometime in 2026, I will reveal who I will be supporting for the 2027 gubernatorial elections. It will then be left to you, the good people of Oyo State, to say if you want that continuity,” the governor added.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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