In the state, the serving deputy governor has completed two terms and needs to be replaced.

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Makinde told stakeholders he wanted someone “loyal to Oyo State” and with capacity, not just party loyalty. Insiders said he rejected early nominees because of perceived outside ties.

People like Fatai Owoseni. Concern was his long service outside Oyo, especially in Lagos and Benue. Some in Makinde’s camp saw him as too close to Lagos political interests and it is a known fact where Makinde and the Lagos Power brokers belong even extending to the federal so he was somewhat of a risky choice.

How about Adedeji Olajide? Seen as too aligned with APC figures at the federal level, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.That too, was a big risk.

Makinde’s phrase was: “There was anxiety about external influence. The governor was looking beyond popularity. He wanted someone whose political loyalty would remain rooted in Oyo State.

Makinde framed the choice of Adekanmbi as merit over partisanship. He said: “For us, if you’re from Oyo State and you’re loyal to Oyo State, and you have the capacity, we will tap you”.

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He also said “what matters is competence, and provided the candidate is an indigene of the state”.

Adekanmbi is an accountant/technocrat who served as Commissioner for Finance under Ajimobi and has been linked to projects like the Ibadan Airport upgrade. There was also the issue of continuity. “Omituntun’ agenda.

Makinde publicly called Adekanmbi the one to continue the “Omituntun” development agenda. At the unveiling ,he said: “You have tasted Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0 ,this is Omituntun 3.0” and urged Adekanmbi to “improve on the good things we have done for the benefit of the people”. He also told Adekanmbi: “don’t inherit my enemies; chart your own path”.

Sources also reveal that Political realignment may have also contributed to the change in successor. Makinde was said to have introduced Adekanmbi and Saheed Fijabi as fresh names during closed-door talks, which changed the tone of deliberations. He later confirmed Adekanmbi as APM’s consensus governorship candidate, describing it as part of a broader strategy that “will also go national very soon”, in reference to his own Presidential ambition announced at the time.

However,there are those who swore that Ogundoyin wasn’t rejected, adding ,he led the lawmakers to endorse Adekanmbi and described him as “an experienced political figure capable of sustaining good governance”. Reports frame it more as Makinde choosing a technocrat outsider rather than a sitting legislator, to emphasize competence and state-loyalty over internal APM politics.

However ,not all Makinde loyalists agreed to his choice. A 21-member stakeholder panel reportedly voted 20-1 for Dr Debo Akande over Adekanmbi,citing his tenure as Finance Commissioner under late Gov. Ajimobi when there were salary arrears,among other issues.

Makinde has defended him, saying party color won’t matter and that the electorates would decide come 2027.

Ultimately,the key reasons cited for Makinde picking Adekanmbi over earlier names like Ogundoyin were: loyalty rooted in Oyo State, administrative competence, and ability to continue his policies, with a deliberate move away from federal/APC-aligned influences.

Source: City People

He described Kantiok as a leader whose professional and political credentials align with the aspirations of the party and the people of Kaduna State.

“A battle-tested legal titan and former Kaduna State House of Assembly member for three terms representing Zonkwa Constituency, Barrister Ishaku Kantiok embodies the intellect, integrity and resilience Kaduna State deserves at this time of its development,” Ashiru said.

The ADC candidate noted that Kantiok’s accomplishments in the legal profession and legislature reflected his dedication to justice, accountability and inclusive governance.

“His courtroom victories and legislative service reflect an unyielding commitment to justice, good governance and equitable development, as well as fighting for the people even amid electoral storms that tested true character,” he added.

Ashiru said their joint ticket would focus on uniting the state, strengthening institutions and accelerating development across all three senatorial districts.

“Together, we will forge a united Kaduna State where the rule of law reigns, youths thrive, infrastructure expands, and every zone rises. This is a ticket of experience, competence and vision for a greater and more prosperous Kaduna State,” he said.

He called on residents of the state and supporters of the ADC to rally behind the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence that the party’s agenda would deliver inclusive governance, sustainable development and renewed hope for the people of Kaduna State.