Adebayo Adelabu, the former Minister of Power, has stepped forward to address the growing speculation surrounding the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State, particularly regarding the supposed preferences of President Bola Tinubu. Amidst a flurry of rumors within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adelabu made it clear that the President has not officially endorsed any candidate for the party’s ticket.
The clarification follows a recent meeting in Ibadan where some party leaders reportedly pushed for Senator Sharafadeen Alli as a consensus candidate. During that gathering, claims were made that the move had the backing of the President as the national leader of the party. However, speaking at an APC event in Ibadan South-East, Adelabu dismissed these assertions as unfounded, noting that no such endorsement has taken place.
Adelabu shared details of his own private discussions with President Tinubu concerning his political future. He revealed that while the President expressed support for his decision to pursue his governorship ambition, it was framed as an encouragement for all qualified members to engage in the process rather than a selection of a single individual. He stressed that anyone suggesting the President has already closed the door on other aspirants is not representing the facts accurately.
The former minister explained that the President’s stance remains rooted in democratic principles and party guidelines. The directive from the top is for stakeholders to consult widely and explore the possibility of a consensus. Should a unanimous agreement remain elusive, the party is expected to move toward direct primaries, ensuring that the eventual candidate emerges through a transparent and fair selection process.
As the race begins to heat up, Adelabu remains confident in his standing within the party. He emphasized that all aspirants are currently on equal footing and that the focus should remain on building a united front. In his view, the party’s strength lies in its internal democracy, and he believes that if merit and track record are the primary considerations, his bid will speak for itself when the time comes for a final decision.
