A leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has declared that the party can no longer afford to stay in opposition in the state after the 2027 general elections.
Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and immediate past Minister of Power, said his ambition to become the next governor is driven by a mission to “restore the soul of the progressives” in Oyo State.
The aspirant made the declaration on Wednesday while formally announcing his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election during a meeting with Oyo State APC executives at the party’s Oke-Ado secretariat in Ibadan.
“The outcome of the 2027 elections will either make or mar the APC in Oyo State. It will determine whether the progressives remain relevant or not,” Adelabu said.
He described his gubernatorial bid as more than a personal ambition, positioning it as a collective effort to reposition and strengthen the APC in the state.
The former minister cautioned against any attempt by aspirants to impose themselves as consensus candidates without broad consultation, stressing the need for due process.
“Someone cannot declare himself as the consensus candidate of the party over other aspirants. A consensus without the involvement of party executives, aspirants, leaders, and stakeholders across all groups cannot stand,” he warned.
Adelabu called for unity among the various blocs within the Oyo APC, including the Lamist group, SENACO, Folarin, and Adelabu camps. He urged members not to allow external forces to hijack the party structure.
“Don’t let them hijack our party. I am ready to follow due process,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment to party supremacy, Adelabu promised to carry all stakeholders along if elected governor.
“I hold the party in high esteem. We all have a responsibility to build it together to reach our desired destination. I will always prioritise the interest of the party,” he said.
Reacting to the declaration, Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, commended Adelabu for his loyalty and dedication to the party, describing his commitment as significant.
Adeyemo expressed optimism about Adelabu’s political future, adding that the party is proud to identify with him.
Other party executives at the meeting included Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Taofek Lamidi; Secretary, Barrister Fatai Adenine; Women Leader, Mrs. Felicia Adekemi; Youth Leader, Comrade Olalekan Glory; and Legal Adviser, Barrister Sunday Aborisade, among others.
Political observers view Adelabu’s move as a significant boost to the APC’s efforts to reclaim Oyo State, which has been under opposition control since 2019.
