Abimbola Olalere Adekanmbi's journey to becoming the Allied Peoples Movement's (APM) consensus candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election is a testament to his diverse professional background. With a career spanning accounting, banking, international management consulting, public administration, fiscal policy, and politics, Adekanmbi is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the state's leadership. Born into the family of Reverend Olalere Adekanmbi and Madam Ashiyanbi Adekanmbi in Ile Ojo Seriki Compound, Beyerunka, Ibadan, Adekanmbi's formative years were spent in Ibadan, where he received his primary education at Orita Mefa Baptist Primary School.
Adekanmbi's educational background is equally impressive. He graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with a degree in Accounting in 1998. He furthered his education with a degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom, and later earned an MBA specializing in Strategy and Finance from Liverpool John Moores University. After completing his university education, Adekanmbi undertook the mandatory National Youth Service Corps program in 1999, working as an Accounts Officer with E&J Nigeria Limited in Maiduguri, Borno State. This experience provided an early opportunity to apply his accounting training in a real organizational environment.
Adekanmbi's professional journey took him to the banking sector, where he worked with Global Investment Bank, MBC International Bank, and Liberty Bank, gaining experience in banking, finance, and corporate banking. His career then took an international turn, as he worked in finance and management consulting, contributing to projects involving major organizations in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and IBM. This exposure to complex financial, technological, and organizational challenges across different industries and institutions has equipped him with a unique understanding of modern administration.
Adekanmbi's experience in public service began in 2011 when he joined the Oyo State Government as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor. He subsequently served as Acting Chairman of the Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue and later as Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning under the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. In this role, he was responsible for budgeting, fiscal management, financial planning, and public resource administration, providing him with a deep understanding of the state's financial administration.
As the APM's consensus candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, Adekanmbi has emphasized the need to build on existing development efforts in Oyo State while paying attention to key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, security, technology, tourism, and commerce. He has stated that his administration would not derail the development direction associated with Governor Seyi Makinde's Omituntun agenda, while also bringing his own approach to governance. Adekanmbi's leadership style is described as independent and people-focused.
Adekanmbi's emergence as a governorship contender has marked a new chapter in his career. In May 2026, the Allied Peoples Movement adopted him as its consensus governorship candidate, and he was presented with the party's Certificate of Return at an event in Ibadan attended by party leaders and senior political figures. In his acceptance remarks, Adekanmbi called for unity among political stakeholders and supporters, stressing the importance of placing the future of Oyo State above personal ambitions and political interests.
As Adekanmbi prepares to take on the challenges of leading Oyo State, his experience in finance, public administration, and policy positions him to make a significant impact. With a focus on continuity and a commitment to people-focused leadership, Adekanmbi's candidacy has generated interest and anticipation among the state's residents. His ability to navigate complex financial, technological, and organizational challenges will be crucial in addressing the state's pressing issues and driving growth and development.
Key points
- Abimbola Adekanmbi's diverse professional background makes him a strong contender for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
- Adekanmbi's experience in public service, including his role as Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning, has provided him with a deep understanding of the state's financial administration.
- Adekanmbi's leadership style is described as independent and people-focused, with a commitment to building on existing development efforts in Oyo State.
