Key Takeaways
- Bimbo Adekanmbi, APM's 2027 Oyo State governorship candidate, denies involvement in alleged N30 billion local government fund disappearance.
- He asserts the funds were local government-related, outside his direct ministerial purview and Joint Accounts Committee (JAC) meetings.
- Adekanmbi defends his candidacy, refuting claims of imposition by Governor Seyi Makinde and highlighting extensive consultations.
- He clarifies his 'Omituntun 30' agenda is not a surrogate role for Governor Makinde but a commitment to continuity with independent leadership.
- The former Commissioner emphasizes his unique experience serving under multiple Oyo State governors, gaining diverse insights.
As the political landscape of Oyo State heats up for the 2027 gubernatorial election, Bimbo Adekanmbi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, has forcefully addressed long-standing allegations concerning N30 billion said to have gone missing during his tenure as Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Adekanmbi, whose candidacy has brought renewed scrutiny to his public record, appeared on Arise News' 'The Morning Show' to set the record straight.
Unpacking the N30 Billion Controversy
Adekanmbi, who served as the state's Finance Commissioner, vehemently denied any culpability in the alleged N30 billion discrepancy. He drew a clear distinction between the Oyo State Government's finances and those of local governments, insisting that the funds in question pertained exclusively to local government administration. “The 30 billion, I didn't say it got missing. You must separate the Oyo State Government from the local government. The money went missing in local government,” Adekanmbi stated emphatically.
He further clarified his position by stressing his non-involvement in the Joint Accounts Committee (JAC) meetings, where such local government financial transactions would typically be discussed. “I never attended one JAC meeting. The money is there, the records are there, the investigations should focus on local government of which I have absolutely no impact, none at all,” he maintained. This assertion aims to distance his office from direct responsibility for the alleged missing funds, redirecting focus to the local government structures.
The Road to 2027: Candidacy and Political Alliances
Adekanmbi's comments come amidst heightened political activity, as he seeks to succeed the incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde. His emergence as the APM governorship candidate was affirmed at the party's primary in Ibadan in May, a development that has drawn significant attention and some speculation.
Emergence as APM Candidate
Addressing suggestions that Governor Makinde personally imposed him on the APM, Adekanmbi rejected the claims, asserting that his candidacy was the result of a comprehensive and consultative process across the state. “The governor did not just sit down in his office and drop a list. There was a process leading to the emergence of all the candidates,” he explained. He highlighted extensive public consultations and engagements, ensuring input from every sector and region of Oyo State, leading to the consensus emergence of all candidates, from governorship to House of Assembly.
This transparent process, according to Adekanmbi, successfully averted the internal crises predicted by some political observers. “And as you can see, there has been no rancour as such in the party. There were a lot of doomsday predictions that once this happens, the party will implode and explode but none of that has happened,” he noted, emphasizing party unity.
'Omituntun 30' and Makinde's Influence
Another point of contention has been Adekanmbi's decision to campaign on the continuity of Makinde’s administration under the 'Omituntun 30' agenda. Critics have suggested this makes him a surrogate for the current governor. Adekanmbi, however, strongly refuted this, stating, “I'm no surrogate to Governor Makinde. Governor Makinde has made it clear at many fora that 'Bimbo, don't inherit my enemies or liabilities; go and chart your own part.'”
He recounted an occasion where Governor Makinde publicly urged people to support his governorship bid, while simultaneously stressing his own commitment to independent decision-making if elected. “The second time, at the last Hijra, he said to people who sat there that Bimbo is going to be your next governor, vote him. I will not make a call on anybody's behalf to Bimbo and for me, I'm owning every action I take as governor as I've always owned actions in my life, so I own it. I am prepared, I have my own manifesto and strategy,” Adekanmbi affirmed, underscoring his readiness for leadership.
A Veteran's Perspective: Experience Across Administrations
Adekanmbi brings a wealth of experience to his gubernatorial ambition, having served under various Oyo State governors. He reflected on the insights gained from working with former governors Rashidi Ladoja, the late Abiola Ajimobi, and the incumbent Seyi Makinde. “If I'm going to be a third term, I'll be second term to Governor Akala, second term to Ladoja, third term to Governor Ajimobi, and third term to Seyi Makinde,” he remarked, highlighting his extensive public service.
This unique exposure, he believes, has equipped him with a profound understanding of governance. “I have been able to learn from the four of them and gotten insights on their strengths and weaknesses,” he concluded, positioning himself as a candidate with a comprehensive grasp of the state's administrative complexities.
Why This Matters
Bimbo Adekanmbi's proactive engagement with the N30 billion allegations and his detailed explanation of his political trajectory are crucial for shaping public perception ahead of the 2027 elections. His ability to convincingly address past controversies and articulate a clear vision, while navigating complex political alliances, will be key to his success in a highly competitive gubernatorial race.