Former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has officially launched his 2027 gubernatorial bid in Oyo State, explicitly rejecting the party's consensus model.
Adebayo Adelabu has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 Oyo State governorship race, signaling a major shift in the local political landscape by openly defying current party consensus efforts.
The former Minister of Power visited the All Progressives Congress secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, to formally inform party executives of his intention to secure the gubernatorial ticket.. His appearance served as a direct rebuttal to recent moves by certain party power brokers who have thrown their weight behind Senator Sharafadeen Alli as a preferred candidate.
Adelabu argued that any consensus arrangement that excludes key stakeholders is inherently flawed and invalid. He emphasized that the party must avoid being hijacked by a select few who prioritize personal interests over the democratic rights of all aspirants.
This firm stance highlights the intensifying power struggle within the Oyo APC as different factions vie for dominance ahead of the next electoral cycle.
During his address, he called for a return to due process, stating that no single individual should have the authority to impose a candidate on the entire membership.. He specifically mentioned that any valid consensus must involve the Lamist group, SENACO, and representatives from the Folarin and Adelabu camps to be considered legitimate.
Adelabu took a defiant tone when speaking to party leaders, insisting that he would not be sidelined by unofficial endorsements. He reiterated his commitment to the party’s structure while demanding an open field where candidates can prove their worth through a transparent selection process.
By challenging the status quo, the aspirant is testing the strength of current party leadership and forcing a conversation on internal accountability. He expressed confidence that his vision for the state will resonate with the electorate once the primaries commence.
As the 2027 race heats up, this development suggests that the path to the party’s nomination will likely be contested rather than handed out through boardroom deals.. The ability of the APC to manage these internal frictions will play a decisive role in their performance in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Ultimately, this friction underscores the fragility of party unity when stakeholders feel marginalized by top-down decision-making processes.