Abimbola Adekanmbi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, rejects claims that he is acting as Governor Seyi Makinde’s surrogate or proxy. Adekanmbi makes the point in response to suggestions that his political role is tied to the outgoing governor rather than his own agenda.
In an interview with Arise News, Adekanmbi says he will govern independently if elected and take full ownership of decisions and policies. He also claims that Makinde’s position is that he should not inherit “enemies or liabilities,” and he says he will follow his own manifesto and strategy. Adekanmbi further addresses the selection of APM candidates, stating it was not a unilateral decision by Makinde, but involved consultations and engagements with stakeholders across different sectors and regions in the state.
The outlets largely align on the core claim—Adekanmbi’s denial of surrogate status—and his stated rationale: independence in governance and a candidate selection process based on broader consultation.
