Gbolarumi Critiques Makinde's Successor Selection Process

Hazeem Gbolarumi, a former deputy governor of Oyo State, has publicly criticized Governor Seyi Makinde for his decision to single-handedly choose a successor without consulting members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). During an iftar gathering hosted by Gbolarumi in Ibadan, he warned that such actions could alienate key stakeholders within the party.

Gbolarumi noted that the relationship between Makinde and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, had previously been cordial, which makes the fallout surprising. He expressed disappointment that the decision-making process began without consulting party leaders, despite Gbolarumi's own declared interest in contesting the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

He described the appointment of a special adviser for local government chairmen as sidelining party stakeholders and emphasized that the PDP was instrumental in Makinde's emergence as governor in 2019. Gbolarumi remains optimistic that the party will reunite soon.