ABIMBOLA ADEKANMBI: THE TECHNOCRAT POSITIONING FOR OYO 2027
Honourable Abimbola Adekanmbi is a Nigerian chartered accountant, technocrat, and politician from Ibadan, Oyo State, whose rising influence in the political landscape has continued to attract attention ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
Widely regarded as one of the leading governorship contenders, Adekanmbi is known for blending private-sector excellence with public service experience, earning a reputation as a quiet but result-oriented administrator.
Born on October 13, 1974, Adekanmbi is a proud indigene of Ibadanland. He attended Oritamefa Baptist School, Ibadan, before proceeding to Federal Government College, Okigwe, Imo State, and later Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he studied accounting and finance-related courses. He also pursued executive and professional development programmes, including international certifications and studies linked to institutions such as the London School of Economics.
A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), Adekanmbi built a distinguished professional career spanning banking, consulting, and financial management. He worked with notable financial institutions including Global Bank, MBC Bank, and Liberty Bank, before moving into consulting roles with firms such as Accenture. His international exposure also saw him work in the United Kingdom, including with Birmingham City Council in finance and payment systems management.
Over the years, he rose through the corporate ranks to become an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the Nigerian banking sector. He is also recognised for his expertise in SAP FI/CO consulting, systems accounting, and business engineering, with experience across multiple industries.
Adekanmbi’s political prominence grew significantly during the administration of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, where he served in the Oyo State Executive Council between 2011 and 2019. During that period, he held strategic positions including Deputy Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning. He was widely credited for his fiscal discipline, financial reforms, and contributions to economic planning in the state.
In 2023, he contested for the Oyo South Senatorial District ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC), though unsuccessfully. However, his political journey took a new turn after he left the APC and aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Despite previous political differences, Governor Seyi Makinde appointed him in July 2024 as Chairman of the Committee overseeing the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan — a major infrastructural project considered strategic to the state’s economic development. The appointment was widely interpreted as a sign of confidence in his competence and administrative capability.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship race intensify, Adekanmbi has emerged as a strong contender with growing support across political and grassroots circles. He has reportedly secured endorsements from notable political figures, including Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, alongside support from stakeholders within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and other political blocs.
Supporters describe him as humble, intelligent, disciplined, and deeply committed to good governance. They point to his blend of private-sector success and public service experience as qualities needed to drive sustainable development in Oyo State.
Known for his low-profile style, loyalty, and administrative depth, Adekanmbi is increasingly being projected by allies and political observers as one of the major faces to watch in the unfolding Oyo 2027 political equation.
