Initially, Tinubu had asked Makinde to recommend a development economist for the budget and economic planning portfolio. Makinde suggested Bimbo Adekanmbi, a former Oyo State commissioner for finance, citing his significant contributions to the previous administration under Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
However, Tinubu later informed Makinde of his decision to appoint Adelabu, a political rival from the 2019 Oyo gubernatorial race. Recalling their conversation, Makinde said, “I contested against Bayo in 2019. He is a first-class material.”
When Tinubu asked Makinde to take ownership of Adelabu’s appointment, framing it as his own choice, the governor resisted. “I said, ‘No, sir. Bayo is your choice, and let it be known to the people that it is your choice,’” he recounted.
Makinde emphasized the importance of transparency, stressing that his role was to nominate individuals who could enhance Tinubu's administration. “If you’ve seen somebody who can do that, that’s good,” he added.
He also noted that other governors received similar requests to adopt Tinubu’s selected ministerial nominees. “Most of my colleagues were given people and asked to adopt those people as theirs,” he stated.
Interestingly, Makinde pointed out that most members of the G5, a faction of governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), did not receive ministerial appointments under Tinubu. “The G5, minus Wike, was not given ministerial appointments,” he clarified.
As Makinde approaches the end of his second and final term in May 2027, he is positioning himself as the presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). During a recent town hall meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, he vowed to implement a four-year transitional Government of National Unity (GNU) if elected president in 2027.
In a politically charged atmosphere, Makinde's revelations highlight the intricate relationships among Nigeria’s political leaders and the ongoing maneuvering as they prepare for future elections.
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