Governor Seyi Makinde has reportedly summoned key governorship aspirants and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State to an emergency meeting amid rising tension over the alleged imposition of Bimbo Adekambi as his preferred successor.

The closed-door meeting, described by party insiders as a “damage control” effort, followed growing discontent within the Oyo PDP over claims that the governor had endorsed Adekambi ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

Sources within the party disclosed that the meeting was convened to calm aggrieved aspirants and prevent a deepening crisis capable of destabilising the party before the next election cycle.

According to insiders, discussions at the meeting centred on party unity, succession politics, and strategies to maintain cohesion among party loyalists despite mounting speculation surrounding Adekambi’s alleged endorsement.

The controversy has sparked debate within political circles in Oyo State, with some party members expressing concern over what they described as attempts to sideline other aspirants through an unofficial endorsement process.

However, supporters of Governor Makinde have dismissed allegations of imposition, insisting that the governor merely enjoys the constitutional right to support any aspirant of his choice while maintaining that the PDP candidate for the 2027 election would eventually emerge through a transparent party process.

Political observers say the succession battle within the Oyo PDP has intensified in recent months as several political camps continue consultations and strategic alignments ahead of future primaries.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State chapter of the PDP nor Governor Makinde had issued an official statement directly addressing the controversy surrounding Adekambi’s alleged emergence as the governor’s preferred candidate.