Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reportedly identified age preference as the decisive factor that prevented Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, a seasoned administrator, educationist, lawyer and political strategist, from emerging as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking during a media chat on a prominent radio station in Ibadan, the governor reportedly explained that Adeniran’s non-emergence was not necessarily a question of competence or administrative capacity, but rather his preference for a candidate within a particular age range.
The revelation has added a new dimension to conversations surrounding the emergence of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi as the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), with Adeniran’s experience and political influence remaining central to the party’s preparations for the 2027 election.
Dr. Adeniran, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), is widely regarded as an experienced political figure whose years of public service, grassroots engagement and understanding of government operations have positioned him among the influential actors in Oyo State politics.
His credentials include serving as Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government and Commissioner for Education in Oyo State, experiences that exposed him to local government administration, public policy, education management and political mobilisation.
A lawyer and educationist with considerable experience in public administration, Adeniran has also built a reputation through his work at OYOSUBEB, where he oversees initiatives aimed at strengthening basic education, improving learning conditions and supporting teachers across the state.
His profile extends beyond education administration to the broader political landscape, where he has remained involved in the mobilisation and coordination of political structures associated with the Makinde administration and the emerging APM political project.
Age preference, not lack of capacity
Makinde’s reported explanation has brought attention to the distinction between a politician’s qualifications and the personal considerations that may influence succession decisions.
According to the account of the governor’s remarks, Adeniran did not emerge as the preferred candidate because he fell outside the age range Makinde had in mind for his choice of successor.
The explanation suggests that the consideration was tied to the governor’s preferred profile for the next occupant of Agodi Government House rather than an explicit rejection of Adeniran’s administrative experience or political capacity.
For Adeniran, his record in government, familiarity with the workings of the state’s public institutions and experience in political organisation remain significant assets as the 2027 election approaches.
His supporters could argue that his combination of grassroots political exposure, government experience and institutional knowledge places him among the figures capable of contributing meaningfully to the state’s next phase of leadership.
Adeniran’s influence remains central to Adekanmbi’s ambition
Despite not emerging as the APM governorship candidate, Adeniran’s political relevance has not diminished. Rather, his expertise and organisational experience are expected to play an important role in the party’s effort to secure victory for Adekanmbi in 2027.
Adeniran currently serves as Director-General of the APM Governorship Campaign Council and as coordinator of the party’s presidential campaign in Oyo State. These strategic responsibilities place him at the centre of the party’s political mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and campaign coordination.
His appointment as Director-General of the governorship campaign council underscores the importance of experienced political hands in building the structures and alliances required for a statewide election.
As campaign director-general, Adeniran is positioned to contribute his knowledge of Oyo State’s political terrain, coordinate campaign activities and help harmonise the interests of party leaders, grassroots mobilisers and other stakeholders behind Adekanmbi’s candidacy.
His role in the presidential campaign further expands his responsibilities, linking the party’s national political ambitions with its organisational activities across Oyo State.
The arrangement highlights an important reality of electoral politics: a political figure who does not emerge as the candidate can still become instrumental to the success of the eventual flag bearer.
In Adeniran’s case, his experience in governance and political coordination could prove valuable in translating the party’s ambitions into an effective campaign capable of competing across the state’s 33 local government areas.
Adekanmbi’s candidacy and the task ahead
Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, a chartered accountant with experience in public and private-sector management, now faces the challenge of building a broad political coalition capable of delivering electoral success in 2027.
Beyond his professional credentials, his campaign will need to demonstrate a clear policy direction, establish strong connections with voters and build the political alliances necessary to compete in a keenly contested election.
The support and organisational contribution of experienced figures such as Adeniran could therefore become an important component of the campaign’s strategy.
The relationship between the two political figures also illustrates how political succession can involve different but complementary roles: one person emerges as the candidate, while others contribute the administrative expertise, political relationships and organisational capacity needed to pursue victory.
For the APM, the challenge will be to harness these strengths into a coherent campaign message that resonates with voters and presents a credible alternative for the future of Oyo State.
Beyond the question of succession
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, the focus is gradually shifting from who emerged as the candidate to how the party intends to secure victory.
For Adeniran, his appointment as Director-General of the APM Governorship Campaign Council and his responsibility for coordinating the presidential campaign in Oyo State place him in strategic positions within the party’s political structure.
His experience in government, grassroots engagement and political administration could prove important as the party works to consolidate its support and mobilise voters.
Ultimately, the 2027 contest will be decided by the electorate. But the unfolding political arrangement within the APM demonstrates that succession is not determined by candidacy alone; the ability to organise, build alliances and mobilise support can be just as consequential.
While Adekanmbi carries the party’s governorship ticket, Adeniran’s role in the campaign places him among the key figures whose expertise and political experience could help shape the party’s prospects in the coming election.
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