In the ever-dynamic political landscape of Oyo State, strategic calculations often determine who controls the narrative long before election day arrives. That is why many political observers are beginning to view the emergence of Abimbola Adekanmbi as more than just an ordinary political move. To them, it reflects the tactical brilliance and political foresight of Governor Seyi Makinde, popularly known as GSM.
Honestly, from every angle, the selection of Adekanmbi appears to be one carefully designed to neutralize multiple threats coming from the opposition All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 political battle in Oyo State.
For many insiders, the calculation is simple. Every likely contender within the APC has a political strength, but Adekanmbi’s profile appears strategically positioned to counter them almost perfectly.
Take Senator Sarafadeen Alli for instance. Alli remains one of the strongest political figures within the APC and maintains deep-rooted relationships across party lines due to his long-standing political network in Oyo politics. Many analysts believe that if Sarafadeen Alli eventually emerges as APC’s major force, he could potentially attract several members of the ruling PDP because of old alliances and political friendships built over the years.
However, Adekanmbi’s own history within the APC makes that possibility more complicated.
As a former influential figure who served prominently during the administration of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Adekanmbi is not a stranger to the grassroots structure of the APC. His political relationships, years of party coordination, and understanding of the opposition’s internal dynamics make him someone many APC loyalists still respect. That singular factor alone could weaken any large-scale political harvest the APC hopes to achieve from the PDP.
The political equation becomes even more interesting when regional considerations are examined.
If the APC decides to project a candidate like Tessy from Ona Ara in the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Adekanmbi’s influence within the same axis could immediately reduce the regional advantage such a candidate might hope to enjoy. Politics in Oyo State has always been deeply influenced by local structures, identity politics, and grassroots loyalty, and Adekanmbi is widely believed to possess substantial political grip within that region.
Then comes the bigger political conversation surrounding Adebayo Adelabu.
Among APC supporters, Adelabu remains a powerful political force with loyal followers spread across the state. But political insiders suggest that Adekanmbi’s emergence may already be creating quiet confusion among some members loyal to Adelabu. Several APC stakeholders are reportedly finding themselves at a political crossroads, uncertain about where future alliances may eventually tilt.
As many Yoruba political observers would jokingly say, some are already asking themselves: “Ori mi ewo ki n se?” — a local expression describing confusion and uncertainty over the next political direction to take.
What makes the situation even more fascinating is the growing perception that Governor Makinde may have seen these possibilities long before they became obvious to others.
Over the years, Makinde has earned a reputation for political patience, strategic timing, and calculated decisions. From his coalition-building style to his ability to maintain strong grassroots appeal despite opposition pressure, the governor has repeatedly demonstrated an understanding of Oyo’s political chessboard.
To many of his supporters, the Adekanmbi factor is another example of that tactical intelligence.
Rather than waiting for the APC to fully organize its strengths ahead of 2027, they believe Makinde has strategically introduced a figure capable of disrupting opposition calculations before the real contest even begins.
Political observers also note that Adekanmbi’s administrative experience, party structure knowledge, and cross-party relationships could become major assets in the coming political cycle. His understanding of both governance and party operations gives him a unique advantage that few politicians currently possess within the Oyo political environment.
Whether this political calculation eventually delivers the desired outcome remains to be seen. Politics, after all, is unpredictable. Alliances change, loyalties shift, and new interests emerge with time.
But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the emergence of Abimbola Adekanmbi has already altered conversations within Oyo’s political space.
And for many supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde, GSM deserves credit for what they see as a bold, strategic, and future-focused political move capable of reshaping the balance of power ahead of the next major electoral showdown in Oyo State.
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