Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has formally declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship seat in 2027 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), as he commenced consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state.
Adelabu met with party faithful in both Ogbomoso and Oyo zones on Friday, using the engagements to seek grassroots support for his ambition and foster unity among various factions of the party.
Speaking at the residence of a prominent APC chieftain, Ayoade Adeseun, in Ogbomoso, Adelabu emphasized his readiness to face internal party competition without fear or imposition.
“I am up to the task. I want to show everyone that I can survive competition and come out victorious. This is not about imposition. I believe in a free and fair process,” he said.
He further appealed for reconciliation within the party, urging aggrieved members to forgive past grievances and join hands in reclaiming Oyo State for the APC in 2027.
“I am here to tell you officially that I intend to run for governor of Oyo State in 2027. I’m prepared to put to test the experiences I’ve gathered from the past two election cycles,” Adelabu declared.
Highlighting Ogbomoso’s strategic electoral importance, he expressed satisfaction with the reconciliation efforts in the zone.
“Ogbomoso is pivotal in Oyo politics. I’m glad that different factions here are now united. We need your support to win in 2027,” he added.
In Oyo town, the minister reiterated his promise to run an inclusive government if elected, pledging that no region or stakeholder would be left behind in the governance of the state.
“Oyo deserves better treatment. It is symbolic and historical, and as governor, I will ensure the zone receives its fair share of development,” he said.
Adelabu also used the occasion to call on citizens of Oyo State to rally behind President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.
“This is the Yoruba turn, and President Tinubu deserves full support for a second term. The nation stands to benefit greatly from the continuity of his leadership,” he noted.
Meanwhile, party leaders including Chief Ayoade Adeseun and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, son of late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, urged APC members to close ranks and work towards reclaiming power in 2027.
“Unity is the path to victory. We must come together to ensure the APC reclaims Oyo State,” Adeseun emphasized.
As consultations continue, Adelabu is expected to tour other zones of the state in the coming weeks, further solidifying his bid and strengthening internal party cohesion.
