The immediate past Minister of Power and governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, on Tuesday, met with the state executives council of the All Progressives Congress, and assured them of winning and becoming the next governor of the state come 2027.
Adelabu, while addressing the executives at the state party secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state, said the engagement was to formally notify them of his intention to contest, expressing confidence in his chances of securing both the party’s ticket and eventual victory.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and commitment to the development of the state, pledging to deploy his experience and energy to advance the state if elected.
Adelabu, who said his administration would combine youthful dynamism with a focus on wealth creation, assured stakeholders that no part of the state would be neglected, promising inclusiveness and tangible benefits for residents of the state.
He also disclosed that he has the support of President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a father figure, expressing optimism that with backing from party leaders, his 2027 ambition would succeed.
The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria maintained that his ambition was not self-centred, adding that the party must be decisive in rescuing the soul of the progressive fold.
Adelabu said, “Don’t let them hijack our party. I’m ready to follow due process. Someone cannot declare himself as the consensus candidate of the party over other aspirants.
“A consensus without the party executives, all aspirants, leaders, stakeholders from the Lamist group, SENACO, Folarin and the Adelabu camps involved is null and void. It can’t stand.
“I want to assure you that I will contest, win and become the next governor of the state in 2027.
“I hold the party in high esteem. We all have a responsibility to build this party together to get to our desired destination. I will always carry the party along in whatever I do if elected governor in 2027. I will prioritise the interest of the party,” the ex-minister stressed.
He commended the current state executive of the APC, expressing confidence in their capacity to take the party to greater heights.
In his remarks, the state APC Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo, commended Adelabu’s consultative approach and commitment to party processes, describing him as a loyal member with the capacity to deliver victory at the polls.
Among the executives in attendance were the state APC Deputy Chairman, Taofek Lamidi, Fatai Adenine (Secretary), Felicia Adekemi (Woman Leader), Olalekan Glory (Youth Leader), and Sunday Aborisade (Legal Adviser), among others.
Encmediaone reports that some leaders of the state APC, on Friday, endorsed former Secretary to the State Government and current senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sharafadeen Alli, as the preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The endorsement was contained in a statement issued after a “high-level leadership summit” held at Samonda in Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state, where stakeholders from across the state’s geopolitical zones and all 33 local government areas gathered.
However, supporters of Adelabu rejected the endorsement, describing it as unauthorised and capable of undermining party unity ahead of the election.
The supporters, led by an APC stalwart in Ibadan, Tade Akinjobi, in a statement at the weekend, warned that any endorsement not approved by the party’s official structure was “null and void” and of no consequence to the party’s electoral process.
Recall that Adelabu recently resigned his position as minister to pursue his governorship ambition in the state.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
The former minister thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.