Former Minister of Power and 2027 governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, says his ambition to govern the state is not a do-or-die affair. Adelabu made this known on Thursday in Ibadan while explaining his decision not to challenge the APC governorship primary in court for now.
He said the decision was not due to a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction. Rather, he chose to protect the party’s unity and future ahead of the 2027 election. The former minister said he reached the decision after meeting with party leaders, loyalists and supporters from the 33 Local Government Areas and 351 wards in Oyo State.
Adelabu rejects legal challenge over APC primary
Some APC governorship aspirants in Oyo have criticised the party’s handling of the primary. They alleged that party leaders imposed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Adelabu said he would not pursue an internal appeal or begin legal proceedings over the primary for now. He said taking the matter further could deepen divisions within the party.
“This decision is not because of a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction. Neither should it be interpreted as an act of surrender or an indication that my aspiration to serve as Governor of Oyo State is a do-or-die affair,” he said.
Adelabu also referred to comments by the APC National Chairman during his recent visit to Oyo. He said the chairman acknowledged errors, unfairness and injustice in parts of the primary process. He added that the acknowledgement should lead to action where there was still an opportunity to address the complaints.
Adelabu calls for reconciliation in Oyo APC
The former minister said many party members had invested years, money, time and political resources in building the APC in the state. However, he said some now believe that the party ignored their votes and preferences during the nomination process. He said the party should not dismiss their grievances as the work of individual aspirants. According to him, many members remain concerned about the lack of transparency in the process.
Adelabu also questioned the absence of publicly declared results from the primary. He said the party later uploaded names on the INEC electronic portal as its candidates for the 2027 elections.
According to him, the concerns affect the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly nominations. He said party members had documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence. According to him, the materials raised questions about the process and its outcome.
Adelabu therefore urged the APC national leadership to begin a broad reconciliation process in Oyo State. He said the process should involve all affected stakeholders and address their concerns through concrete actions.
“Members who feel wounded, betrayed or alienated must be deliberately engaged and reassured—not merely through appeals, but through concrete actions that demonstrate that their loyalty, sacrifices and contributions still matter,” he said.
Party members determine election victories
Adelabu warned that the APC could not secure electoral victory by simply submitting candidates’ names through an electronic portal. He said elections require the trust, commitment and active participation of party members and supporters, especially at the grassroots.
“My aspiration to serve as Governor of Oyo State has never been, and will never be, a do-or-die project,” he said.
Adelabu added that he remained grateful for the opportunity to serve in both the private and public sectors. He said his ambition to govern Oyo State comes from a desire to contribute to its development and prosperity. However, he added that the timing of his political ambition ultimately rests with God.
“While recent developments may have delayed the realisation of this aspiration, I remain firmly convinced that what may be delayed by human actions cannot be denied by Almighty God,” he said.
Read also: ‘God sees my heart’ — Adelabu seeks support for Oyo governorship bid
