A former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, on Tuesday met with the state executive council of the All Progressives Congress, declaring his intention to contest the 2027 election and rejecting moves to impose a consensus candidate.
Adelabu, who addressed party executives at the APC secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, said he remained confident of securing the party’s ticket and emerging victorious in the governorship poll.
He said the visit was to formally notify the leadership of his ambition, reaffirming his loyalty to the party and commitment to the development of the state.
His position comes amid recent endorsement of Senator Sharafadeen Alli by some APC leaders as a preferred candidate for the 2027 race.
However, Adelabu’s supporters have dismissed the endorsement as unauthorised, warning that it could undermine party unity.
The former minister, who recently resigned from the Federal Government, said his decision was to enable him pursue his governorship ambition.
In his resignation letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
He added, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
Addressing party executives, Adelabu rejected the idea of a consensus candidate, insisting that due process must be followed.
“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 also said his administration would focus on inclusiveness and wealth creation, assuring that no part of the state would be neglected.
In his remarks, the state APC Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, commended Adelabu’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.
