The governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Abimbola Adekanmbi, has declared that he is not a surrogate or political proxy of Governor Seyi Makinde, stressing that he has his own vision, manifesto and strategy for governing the state.

Adekanmbi, while speaking on the process that produced the APM candidates ahead of the election, said the emergence of the candidates was not the product of decisions taken by Governor Makinde from his office, but followed consultations, public engagements and contributions from different sectors and regions of the state.

According to him, candidates for the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats emerged through a consensus-building process involving stakeholders across Oyo State.

He said, “The governor did not sit in his office and simply drop a list. There was a process that led to the emergence of all the candidates. There were consultations and public engagements, with input from every sector and region of Oyo State.”

Adekanmbi further dismissed suggestions that his political ambition was being driven by Governor Makinde, insisting that he would take full responsibility for his decisions and actions if elected governor.

“I’m no surrogate to Governor Makinde. The governor made it clear that I shouldn’t inherit his enemies or liabilities,” he said.

The APM candidate added that his ambition was based on his own assessment of the needs of Oyo State and his determination to present an independent governance agenda to the people.

“I’m owning every action I take as governor, just as I have always owned my actions in life. I own it, and I’m prepared. I have my own manifesto and strategy,” Adekanmbi stated.

His comments are expected to further shape the political narrative ahead of the Oyo State governorship election, particularly amid discussions over the influence of Governor Makinde and the political alignments surrounding the 2027 contest.