Oyo PDP Rejects Makinde's Successor Adekanmbi in Vote

Oyo State stakeholders of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have rejected Governor Seyi Makinde's anointed successor, Abimbola Adekanmbi, citing his unpopularity. A 21-member stakeholder panel, which included representatives from various geopolitical zones, voted 20 to 1 in favor of Dr. Debo Akand, the Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency.

The voting process began after a lengthy 15-hour deliberation, during which Adekanmbi received zero votes. Concerns raised against Adekanmbi included his association with former Governor Abiola Ajimobi's administration, which faced criticism for prolonged salary arrears for civil servants, as well as his recent defection to the APC to contest for the Oyo South senatorial ticket.

Additionally, there were allegations of a conflict with the unwritten agreement regarding the next governor's faith and regional representation. The rejection of Adekanmbi reflects ongoing tensions within the PDP, especially following the collapse of the G5 alliance and the party's struggles in the 2023 presidential elections.