Amid growing political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has firmly rejected allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is attempting to anoint him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State.
Adelabu made this known while hosting APC executives, ward chairmen, and party leaders from Ibadan South East Local Government over the weekend at his Iyaganku residence in Ibadan. The meeting was part of his ongoing consultations with party stakeholders in preparation for the 2027 governorship race.
Describing the claims as unfounded and misleading, Adelabu maintained that President Tinubu, as a seasoned democrat and national leader, would never interfere with the internal democratic processes of any state chapter of the party.
“It is simply unrealistic to believe that the President, who oversees the affairs of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, would be preoccupied with imposing a governorship candidate in one state,” Adelabu stated.
He emphasized that there would be a proper primary election and that no candidate would be imposed. “The best candidate will emerge through a transparent process. There will be no imposition,” he stressed.
Highlighting his belief in open and competitive politics, Adelabu said: “Healthy competition brings out the best in people. Whatever is good is not reserved for just one person. I am ready to engage in a fair contest—one that does not breed hatred or resentment.”
He added that reconciliation after the primary would be key to party unity. “Whoever emerges as the candidate must be able to reconcile with others. Those who don’t win will not go home empty-handed. There will be ways to compensate them through appointments or nominations.”
Addressing the President’s stance, he noted, “President Tinubu is a father figure to all aspirants. Even if he has a preferred candidate, he won’t interfere or cast votes in the state. His only advice would be to go back home, work hard, and gain the people’s support.”
Recalling his experience in 2019, Adelabu said he won the APC governorship ticket through a keenly contested primary. “There was no imposition then. I campaigned across all 33 local government areas. Some aspirants voluntarily stepped down for me after realizing I had overwhelming support. I won nearly 100 percent of the votes.”
He continued, “I know what it takes to win a primary in a progressive party—you must work hard, share your vision, and convince people that you can move the state forward, not just for the people, but also for our party.”
Looking ahead, Adelabu said he is well-prepared for the road to 2027. “This will not be an easy task, but with the lessons from 2019 and 2023, I am more than ready.”
The Minister also used the occasion to officially inform stakeholders of his renewed ambition to contest the governorship position in 2027. “This is my local government, and it was important to begin consultations here. Today’s meeting was like a family gathering where we reflected on our journey so far.”
He expressed delight at the overwhelming support he received, saying, “I’m grateful for the endorsement. They have promised to stand by me and ensure that Ibadan South East regains the governorship seat in 2027.”
Adelabu revealed that his next move would be to begin statewide consultations. “Starting next week, I will embark on a consultation tour across all seven geopolitical zones of the state to build a strong coalition of support.”
In his remarks, the APC Oyo South Senatorial Chairman, Alhaji Mojeed Olaoya, assured that the party would unite behind whichever aspirant emerges through a credible process. He also emphasized the importance of genuine reconciliation, pointing out that divisions within the party in 2019 and 2023 had cost them victory.
“We’ve learned our lessons,” Olaoya said. “This time, we are committed to unity and ensuring that the APC reclaims Oyo State in 2027.”