The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence in the voting power of Nigerians.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre (ICC), Makinde asserted that federal might will not influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.

Makinde expressed optimism that Nigerians would vote for leaders of their choice regardless of political influence.

He said, “I believe that this election cycle, federal might will not work. It has worked in Ekiti state in both instances, but this time around, Nigerians will show politicians pepper.

“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying.”

On governance in Oyo after his tenure, the governor said his administration had created structures in the state that would ensure continuity.

Makinde said that although he would recommend a successor, the people of Oyo would ultimately decide who becomes the next governor.

The governor, however, cautioned that electing a candidate without the capacity to govern would have lasting consequences for the state.

“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state.

“But if you make a mistake and bring someone who will not do good work, it is a one-day event, but the impact will last four years.

“So, we must get it right. Leadership changes but systems, they endure. So, our focus has been deliberate,” he said.

There have been speculations that Makinde may back Bimbo Adekanbi, a former commissioner for finance in the state, as his preferred governorship candidate.

Responding to the speculations, Makinde said he would support any candidate who is loyal to Oyo and possesses the capacity to govern effectively.

“People said ‘oh, so Seyi, you did not mentor anyone these seven years you have been in government that can take over from you without the taint of APC’? And I ask them that Morohunkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanbi, are they not from Oyo state? For us, if you’re from Oyo state, loyal to Oyo state, and have capacity, we will support you.

“We are blind to part colouration but open to capacity that can move Oyo state forward,” he said.