Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned residents to be wary of politicians making unrealistic promises as the political season ahead of the 2027 general elections begins to gather momentum.
The governor described 2026 as a pivotal year and a prelude to the next general elections, urging the electorate to be discerning as political activities intensify.
Makinde gave the warning on Monday during the annual Interfaith Prayer Session marking the beginning of the New Year in Ibadan.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the governor said the approaching election season made it necessary for citizens to critically assess those seeking public office.
“As we move closer to 2027, people should be careful of politicians who will be making promises that cannot be fulfilled,” Makinde said.
He noted that given the performance of his administration, residents should expect continuity in governance, expressing confidence that a member of his team would take over the leadership of the state in 2027.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the continued development of the state and the welfare of its people.
Makinde also charged residents to take security seriously, stressing that safeguarding lives and property was a collective responsibility.
“I want us to be vigilant on the issue of security. We have only spent 12 days this year and we have already lost some people at the Old Oyo National Park,” he said.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. When you see something suspicious, say something to the appropriate authorities.”
On workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had cleared longstanding promotion arrears inherited from previous governments and remained committed to prompt career progression.
“When we came in 2019, we met promotion arrears dating back to 2016. We cleared the backlog and ensured promotions are conducted yearly,” he said.
“The file for the 2025 promotion has been sent to me, and I will sign it today. Those due for promotion should rest assured.”
Makinde also disclosed that the review of emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration was ongoing and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved before the end of January.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, commended the governor for consistency in people-centred governance, citing improvements in workers’ welfare, regular salary payments, increased monthly gratuity from N1.5bn to N3bn, payment of 13th-month salaries, staff training, and civil service reforms.
She also acknowledged the support of labour unions and stakeholders for sustaining industrial harmony in the state.
In their 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, praised the governor for his support for governance institutions and infrastructure development.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martin, said labour unions would resist any regression in workers’ welfare, noting that Makinde had set a benchmark for future administrations.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, thanked the governor for bonuses and welfare packages, presenting a white horse as a symbol of appreciation.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; traditional rulers; former public office holders; lawmakers; and party leaders.
