Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has advised residents of the state to be cautious of politicians making lofty but unrealistic promises as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to intensify.
Describing 2026 as a crucial year and a build-up to the next election cycle, the governor urged voters to remain vigilant and critically evaluate those seeking elective offices.
Makinde issued the warning on Monday at the annual Interfaith Prayer Session held to mark the beginning of the New Year in Ibadan.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the governor said the approach of another election season made it imperative for citizens to carefully scrutinise political actors and their pledges.
“As we move closer to 2027, people should be careful of politicians who will be making promises that cannot be fulfilled,” Makinde said.
He expressed confidence in the performance of his administration, adding that residents should expect continuity in governance beyond 2027. According to him, a member of his current team would be well positioned to succeed him and sustain the policies and programmes already in place.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to development and the overall welfare of the people of the state.
Makinde also called on residents to take security matters seriously, stressing that the protection of lives and property requires collective effort.
“We must be vigilant on the issue of security. In just 12 days into this year, lives have already been lost at the Old Oyo National Park,” he said.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the appropriate authorities.”
On workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had addressed promotion arrears inherited from previous governments and had ensured regular career advancement for civil servants.
“When we assumed office in 2019, we met promotion arrears dating back to 2016. We cleared the backlog and ensured that promotions are conducted annually,” he said.
He added that the 2025 promotion exercise had reached his desk and would be approved without delay, assuring eligible workers of timely advancement.
Makinde further disclosed that the review of emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration was ongoing and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved before the end of January.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, praised the governor for consistency in people-focused governance. She highlighted achievements such as improved workers’ welfare, regular payment of salaries, an increase in monthly gratuity payments from N1.5bn to N3bn, the introduction of 13th-month salaries, continuous staff training, and wide-ranging civil service reforms.
She also acknowledged the cooperation of labour unions and other stakeholders in maintaining industrial harmony in the state.
In separate goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his deputy, Muhammed Fadeyi; the Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, commended the governor for strengthening governance institutions and investing in infrastructure development.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martin, said labour unions would resist any attempt to reverse gains in workers’ welfare, noting that the current administration had set a standard for future governments.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, appreciated the governor for pensioners’ welfare packages and bonuses, presenting a white horse as a symbolic gesture of gratitude.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; traditional rulers; former public office holders; lawmakers; and political party leaders.
