Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu has formally declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Oyo State in the 2027 general election.
The announcement came during consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and stakeholders across the Ogbomoso and Oyo zones of the state on Friday.
Speaking at the residence of a key APC leader, Ayoade Adeseun, in Ogbomoso, Adelabu revealed that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to build consensus and rally support for his bid.
“I’m here to tell you that I want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027. I’m ready to put to test all experience I’ve gathered from the past two elections,” he said.
Adelabu, who was the APC governorship candidate in 2019, sought to ease concerns about internal party imposition, assuring stakeholders that the race would be open and competitive.
“I’m up to the task, I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious,” he asserted.
Addressing past grievances within the party, he urged aggrieved members to bury the hatchet and unite behind the goal of reclaiming the state in 2027.
“I’m not against other zones becoming governor of the state, all I know is that God’s time is the best,” he added.
“Ogbomoso is very important in this state election, I’m here to seek for your support and backing, I’m happy to see that all the factions in Ogbomoso are now one.”
Adelabu also emphasized the significance of supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election for the continuity of Yoruba leadership at the national level.
“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 said.
In Oyo town, he reinforced his commitment to inclusive governance and equitable representation.
“I will run all inclusive government where everybody will be involved in governance of the state and no one will be left behind if I become governor of the state in 2027,” he promised.
“I’m here for people to know that no one can impose anybody, I want to work and prove to our party members that I’m up to the task, I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious.”
Adelabu described Oyo as a personal political base, expressing gratitude for the continued loyalty of his supporters.
“Oyo is like a second home to me, my supporters, followers, associates and allied are all here, they have been supporting me in the past and they are ready to support me again,” he said.
“I will give what is due to Oyo. Oyo zone deserves better treatment because it is symbolic, Oyo is historical, symbolic and blessing to the entire state.”
Also speaking at the event, Adeseun and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, son of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, urged APC members to unite ahead of the 2027 elections and work collectively to ensure the party’s return to power in the state.
