The Minister of Power and former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adebayo Adelabu, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, pledging to reclaim the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adelabu made the announcement on Friday during a series of consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across Ogbomoso and Oyo zones, signalling the beginning of what he described as a grassroots mobilisation effort aimed at rebuilding the APC in the state.
Speaking at the residence of prominent APC chieftain, Ayoade Adeseun, in Ogbomoso, Adelabu reaffirmed his commitment to democratic competition and unity within the party. “I’m here to tell you that I want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027,” he said. “I’m ready to put to test all the experience I’ve gathered from the past two elections.”
Adelabu was the APC flag bearer in the 2019 governorship election but lost to the incumbent, Governor Seyi Makinde of the PDP. Makinde, now in his second and final term, is widely expected to back a successor, setting the stage for a fierce political battle.
In his remarks, Adelabu called for the forgiveness of past grievances and emphasised reconciliation among party factions. “We should be concerned with how the party will come back to power in 2027,” he noted. “Ogbomoso is very important in this state’s politics. I’m happy to see that all factions here are now united.”
He also dismissed concerns about the party imposing candidates, insisting that aspirants would be allowed to test their popularity through fair competition. “I’m up to the task,” he declared. “I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious.”
During a separate engagement in Oyo town, the minister promised to run an inclusive and responsive government if elected, highlighting the historical significance of the Oyo zone in the state's politics. “Oyo zone deserves better treatment because it is symbolic. Oyo is historical, symbolic, and a blessing to the entire state,” he said.
Adelabu also used the opportunity to express strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing it as an opportunity for the South-West and the entire country. “This is another turn of Yorubas to serve their two terms as President of Nigeria. Nigeria has a lot to benefit if Tinubu is re-elected,” he stated.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, Adelabu's early declaration has set the tone for what promises to be an eventful race in Oyo State, with the APC hoping to reclaim its dominance in the face of a PDP stronghold.
