The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, was on Tuesday seen serving as an interpreter during a church service, in a video that has since generated widespread reactions on social media.

The video, which circulated on X, captured Adekanmbi standing before the congregation and translating a Yoruba sermon into English as the preacher delivered his message.

Adekanmbi, who has been publicly endorsed by Governor Seyi Makinde as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, appeared in a wine-coloured agbada, while the preacher was dressed in an off-white suit paired with black trousers.

Although there was no indication that the church appearance was organised as a political event, the footage quickly gained attention online, with many users interpreting it through the lens of the forthcoming governorship contest.

The clip triggered mixed reactions from X users, with some describing Adekanmbi’s role as an expression of his longstanding involvement in church activities, while others suggested it formed part of a broader strategy to connect with voters ahead of the election.

Reacting to the development, X user @PaolaRagnar wrote, “One dey buy corn. One dey interpret. Next one go dey yan garri very soon.”

Another user, @Tunbolity, posted, “Wahala mati wa bayii o,” while @Kenwithgrace remarked, “All the aspirants with their different strategy to win vote. Good luck o Bimbo Adekanmbi?”

Offering a different perspective, @SeyePhils argued that Adekanmbi’s role during the service reflected his longstanding commitment to church work, describing it as part of his “early days work in church.”

Similarly, @enythnn questioned whether the APM candidate would continue rendering such services if elected governor, writing: “Will he continue to serve in the house of the Lord if he eventually becomes the next governor?”

The video emerged as political activities continue to gather momentum across the country ahead of the 2027 general election, with aspirants increasing consultations, public engagements and grassroots mobilisation in preparation for the official commencement of campaigns.

In Oyo State, the contest to succeed Governor Makinde has continued to attract significant attention, with major political parties positioning their candidates for what is expected to be a keenly contested election.

Makinde, the APM presidential candidate, has publicly backed Adekanmbi as his preferred successor, a move that has generated considerable political debate within the state. The endorsement has also heightened public interest in the party’s candidate, whose activities have increasingly attracted attention both online and offline.

Other politicians vying for the governorship seat include Senator Sharafadeen Alli of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chief Taofeek Adegboyega of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), among others expected to intensify their campaigns in the coming months.

The emergence of Adekanmbi’s church video has added another dimension to political discussions in the state, with supporters and critics alike debating whether such public appearances could shape voters’ perceptions ahead of the election. While some viewed the footage as a demonstration of personal faith and service, others interpreted it as part of the growing efforts by aspirants to build public goodwill before campaigns officially begin.