Adebayo Adelabu Withdraws From 2027 Oyo Guber Battle, Calls for APC Reconciliation

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the legal and internal battle over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination process in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 election.

Adelabu, who was one of the aspirants seeking the APC governorship ticket, announced his decision in a personally signed statement titled “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice.”

The former minister said his decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders across the state, as well as a careful assessment of recent developments within the party.

He, however, stressed that stepping away from the contest did not amount to accepting what he described as injustices associated with the party’s nomination process.

According to Adelabu, he had considered the concerns raised by party members and stakeholders over the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly nominations.

He said the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results had raised questions about the transparency and credibility of the process, adding that documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence existed which, in his view, raised concerns about aspects of the nominations.

Despite this, Adelabu said he had decided, as a loyal APC member, not to pursue an internal appeal or institute legal proceedings over the process “at this time.”

He explained that the decision was not because he lacked evidence, confidence or conviction, but was intended to prevent further division within the party.

“Rather, I have chosen, in the interest of peace, party stability and the larger future of the APC in Oyo State, not to further escalate the matter through avenues that may deepen existing divisions and undermine the cohesion of our great party.”

Adelabu also referred to comments made by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, during his recent visit to Oyo State, saying the party leader had acknowledged errors, unfairness and injustice associated with aspects of the primary process.

He argued, however, that an acknowledgement or apology should not replace efforts to address genuine grievances where corrective action remained possible.

The former minister consequently called on the APC national leadership to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process involving all affected aspirants and stakeholders.

He particularly urged the party to engage members who feel “wounded, betrayed or alienated”, saying their concerns should be addressed through concrete actions capable of restoring confidence in the party.

Adelabu warned that the APC’s prospects in the 2027 election would depend heavily on the commitment of its grassroots members.

He said electoral victory could not be secured merely by announcing candidates or submitting names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that party members and supporters must have confidence in the process.

The former minister also reiterated that his ambition to become governor of Oyo State had never been a do-or-die affair.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and said he had no intention of leaving the party despite the outcome of the nomination process.

Adelabu contested the APC governorship ticket alongside other aspirants, while Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The development is expected to put further focus on the APC’s efforts to reconcile aggrieved members in Oyo State as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.