Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has made it clear that President Bola Tinubu has not officially endorsed any candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
In a recent reflection on his political journey over the past two years, Adelabu reaffirmed his ambition to contest for the governorship position in 2027.
During a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Team in Oyo State, the Minister emphasized that the APC is committed to ensuring fairness and neutrality among all aspiring candidates ahead of the forthcoming election.
He stressed the importance of unity and collective progress, urging party-affiliated journalists to use their platforms to promote cohesion and consistently highlight the positive attributes of the APC.
“It is essential that we unite all factions and work tirelessly to rebuild harmony within the APC,” Adelabu remarked.
“Being a member of the APC means refraining from supporting opposition parties. We must avoid actions that create divisions among aspirants. While backing your preferred candidate is natural, it should never come at the expense of others,” he added.
On the subject of governance in Oyo State, Adelabu criticized the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration under Governor Seyi Makinde for a lack of significant progress and innovation.
He highlighted that key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and environmental management have seen minimal development during the current tenure.
“Many of the road infrastructure projects completed were actually initiated by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The present government has yet to deliver any major landmark achievements,” he stated.
Reflecting on his political career, Adelabu shared insights into his appointment as Minister of Power. He revealed that despite his active involvement after the 2019 elections, he was initially overlooked for a federal appointment, which is often a customary reward for party loyalists.
“I bore no ill feelings and continued to serve diligently. When my brother, Sunday Dare, was appointed Minister of Youth and Sports Development, I was among the first to congratulate him. It is surprising that my own appointment has since become a subject of controversy,” he noted.
Addressing his brief exit from the APC, Adelabu acknowledged the unwavering support he has received from former presidents and party leaders who have recognized his expertise and recommended him for national roles.
“I was appointed Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by former President Goodluck Jonathan, retained by President Muhammadu Buhari, who also honored me with the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). Later, President Bola Tinubu appointed me Minister of Power, and the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi supported my 2019 governorship campaign. These leaders have all acknowledged my dedication and competence,” he explained.
He commended President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership approach and his efforts to advance Oyo State’s interests through strategic federal appointments.
Regarding the APC’s loss in the recent Ibadan North by-election, Adelabu clarified his position, reaffirming his commitment to back the party’s chosen candidate.
“I have personal relationships with all the aspirants and pledged to support whoever emerged victorious in the primaries. In the case of Hon. Olawale Murphy, my endorsement came only after he was officially nominated as the party’s candidate,” he concluded.
