Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, promising to reclaim the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adelabu, who was the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2019 elections, made the declaration on Friday during consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across Ogbomoso and Oyo zones.
Speaking at the residence of a party leader, Ayoade Adeseun, in Ogbomoso, Adelabu said the meetings were part of his grassroots engagement and a step towards building a formidable coalition ahead of the polls.
“I’m here to tell you that I want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027,” Adelabu told party members. “I’m ready to put to test all the experience I’ve gathered from the past two elections.”
He assured stakeholders that the APC would not impose any aspirant on the party, adding, “I’m up to the task, I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious.”
The minister, who appealed to aggrieved members for forgiveness, emphasised the need for unity within the APC in Oyo, urging members to focus on reclaiming power from the PDP.
“We should be concerned with how the party will come back to power in 2027,” he said. “Ogbomoso is very important in this state’s politics. I’m happy to see that all factions here are now united.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of the PDP, currently in his second and final term, is expected to support a successor.
During his visit to Oyo town, Adelabu said he is read to run an inclusive government if elected.
“I will run an all-inclusive government where everybody will be involved in the governance of the state and no one will be left behind,” he said. “Oyo zone deserves better treatment because it is symbolic. Oyo is historical, symbolic, and a blessing to the entire state.”
He also used the occasion to rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“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,” Adelabu declared.