Oyo 2027: Adelabu ends governorship ambition, seeks reconciliation

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State after losing the All Progressives Congress, APC, ticket.

Adelabu disclosed his withdrawal in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, titled, ‘APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice’.

The former minister stated that his decision to quit the race did not amount to conceding the alleged injustice that characterised the party’s governorship primary in the state.

He rather attributed his decision to deep reflection and a strategic reassessment of recent developments within the party and the journey ahead.
According to the former minister, he took a short vacation outside the country following the ‘intensity and challenges’ of the past several months before returning to consult with party leaders and supporters.

He added that, upon his return, he met with party leaders and some of his supporters across the state, noting that the meetings reviewed concerns raised by party members, aspirants and stakeholders. He said the concerns also extended to the senatorial, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly nominations.

“We agreed that the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results has understandably generated serious concerns about the transparency, credibility and integrity of the nomination process.

“We also affirmed that substantial documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence exist which, in our considered view, raise serious questions about aspects of the process and the eventual outcomes,” Adelabu said.