Oriyomi Hamzat has claimed credit for Seyi Makinde’s emergence as Oyo State governor, saying he was among those who brought Makinde into the governorship race.
The Accord Party governorship candidate made the claim while addressing party members in Ibadan on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Hamzat said he supported Makinde because he believed the businessman would work for the people of Oyo State.
“Who brought Seyi Makinde? I was the one. I was one of those that brought him and supported him as governor.”
He also questioned why he had not received credit for the achievements of Makinde’s administration.
“All those good things, why don’t you give me the credit?”
Hamzat said political opponents acknowledge Makinde’s achievements while criticising his administration on other issues.
“Those opposition parties now, when they want to speak, they will claim that he did wonderful things, why not credit me for those ones too?”
Hamzat also rejected claims that he supported Makinde because he expected government contracts.
“I’m not following government because of contracts.”
He said his support for Makinde did not involve a business arrangement.
“No transactional relationship whatsoever. I just want the people to applaud me that the person I introduced to them is performing well.”
Hamzat declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo governorship election under Accord in January 2026 and later emerged as the party’s governorship candidate.
Makinde has backed Bimbo Adekanmbi for the 2027 Oyo governorship election. Hamzat will challenge the governor’s preferred candidate under Accord.
