By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says he will contest, win, and become the governor of Oyo State in 2027.
This is even as Adelabu rejected the idea of a consensus candidate among aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that due process and consultation must be followed.
Adelabu said he was confident of securing the party’s ticket and emerging victorious in the governorship poll while addressing party executives at the APC secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Tuesday, May 5.
He said the visit was to formally notify the leadership of his ambition and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and commitment to the development of the state.
The former minister 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 in the seat 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,” he said.
Adelabu added that his administration would focus on inclusiveness and wealth creation, assuring that no part of the state would be neglected.
His statement comes amid the recent endorsement of Senator Sharafadeen Alli by some APC leaders as a preferred and consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship race.
However, Adelabu’s supporters have dismissed the endorsement as unauthorised, warning that it could undermine party unity.
In his remarks on Adelabu’s visit, the state APC Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, commended the former minister’s consultative approach, describing him as a loyal party member with the capacity to deliver electoral victory.
Other party executives present at the meeting included Deputy Chairman, Taofek Lamidi; Secretary, Fatai Adenine; Women Leader, Felicia Adekemi; Youth Leader, Olalekan Glory; and Legal Adviser, Sunday Aborisade.
