Adelabu Quits Oyo 2027 Governorship Race, Seeks APC Reconciliation

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally withdrawn from the race for the 2027 governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, following the outcome of the party’s governorship primary.

Adelabu, in a personally signed statement issued on Thursday, said he had decided not to appeal the outcome within the party or institute legal proceedings over the primary at this time.

The former minister, however, stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an acceptance of what he described as injustice in the nomination process.

In the statement titled, “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice,” Adelabu said his decision followed extensive consultations, deep reflection and a reassessment of recent developments within the party.

He disclosed that he had taken a short vacation outside the country following what he described as the intensity and challenges of the preceding months.

According to him, he returned to Oyo State and held consultations with APC leaders and supporters across the state to review the situation surrounding the party’s nominations.

Adelabu said the discussions revealed widespread concerns among aspirants, party members and stakeholders over the conduct and outcome of the nomination exercises.

He said similar concerns extended beyond the governorship primary to the nominations for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

The former minister maintained that the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results had raised questions about the transparency, credibility and integrity of the process.

He further claimed that documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence were available which, in his view, raised serious questions about aspects of the exercise and its eventual outcomes.

Despite these concerns, Adelabu said he had chosen not to pursue an internal appeal or legal action, explaining that his decision was motivated by the need to protect the unity and future of the APC in Oyo State.

He said the decision was neither due to a lack of evidence nor a loss of confidence in his position.

Adelabu also rejected any suggestion that his withdrawal amounted to surrender, insisting that his aspiration to govern Oyo State had never been a do-or-die affair.

He said he was more concerned about preserving peace, party stability and cohesion than escalating a dispute that could deepen divisions within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former minister called on the APC national leadership to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process involving all categories of nominations.

He urged the party to engage members and aspirants who feel aggrieved, wounded, betrayed or alienated by the nomination process.

Adelabu said reconciliation should go beyond verbal appeals, insisting that concrete steps must be taken to reassure affected members that their loyalty, sacrifices and contributions to the party remain valued.

He also referred to a recent visit to Oyo State by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, saying the party leader had acknowledged errors, unfairness and injustice associated with aspects of the primary election process.

Adelabu, however, maintained that an acknowledgement or apology should not replace efforts to address genuine grievances where opportunities for correction still exist.

While announcing his withdrawal from the 2027 governorship contest, Adelabu reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and said he had no intention of leaving the party.

He appealed to his supporters and party loyalists across Oyo State to remain peaceful, restrained and civil following the outcome of the nomination process.

Adelabu resigned as Minister of Power on April 22, 2026, to concentrate on his ambition to become governor of Oyo State.

He was among 13 aspirants who contested the APC governorship ticket. Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, subsequently emerged as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.

Adelabu said he remained convinced that the timing of his political ambition ultimately rested with God, adding that he would continue to respect the decision of providence while remaining committed to the APC and the people of Oyo State.