Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has claimed that he was among those who encouraged Governor Seyi Makinde to enter the Oyo State governorship race.

Hamzat made the disclosure while addressing members of the Accord Party in Ibadan on Saturday, amid growing political differences between him and Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the broadcaster, he supported Makinde’s governorship ambition because he believed the former engineer would work for the people of Oyo State.

Hamzat said he should also be given credit for the achievements recorded by the Makinde administration, arguing that those who acknowledge the governor’s accomplishments should equally recognise the people who supported his emergence.

“Seyi Makinde has reformed Oyo. Hence, we are not following you. Who brought Seyi Makinde? I was the one. I was one of those that brought him and supported him as governor,” Hamzat said.

He questioned why his alleged role in supporting Makinde’s political emergence was being overlooked while critics focused on issues surrounding the administration.

“All those good things, why don’t you give me the credit? Why is it that it is the unpleasant side that people are using to attack me?” he asked.

Hamzat further argued that opposition politicians often acknowledge Makinde’s achievements when discussing his administration, but fail to recognise those who supported his emergence.

The broadcaster and Makinde were previously regarded as close political allies. However, their relationship has become strained as Hamzat has entered the 2027 governorship contest on the platform of the Accord Party.

Hamzat is now seeking to succeed Makinde, who is constitutionally ineligible to seek a third consecutive term as governor in 2027.

The development adds another dimension to the emerging political contest in Oyo State, with several political actors positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship election.