Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 Oyo State governorship race after failing to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination ticket. In a statement released on Thursday, titled ‘APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice’, Adelabu explained his decision was not an admission of defeat but a result of careful reflection and strategic reassessment following the party’s primary process.
Adelabu emphasized that he did not concede to what he described as the “alleged injustice” surrounding the APC’s governorship primary in Oyo State. Instead, he attributed his withdrawal to internal deliberations and consultations with party leaders and supporters after taking a brief vacation abroad due to the emotional and political strain of recent events. Upon returning, he engaged in discussions across the state to review concerns raised by party members, aspirants, and stakeholders regarding the nomination process.
The former minister highlighted that these concerns extended beyond the governorship race to include senatorial, House of Representatives, and state House of Assembly nominations. He pointed out that the lack of publicly declared and verifiable results has sparked widespread doubts about the transparency, credibility, and integrity of the entire selection process. According to Adelabu, there are substantial documentary materials, authenticated collation records, and video evidence that cast serious questions on how the outcomes were determined.
He stressed that while he is stepping away from the governorship race, he remains committed to holding the party accountable for fair and transparent processes. His statement reflects a broader concern within the APC about governance and electoral fairness ahead of the 2027 elections. The withdrawal marks a significant development in the political landscape of Oyo State, where several aspirants had been vying for the coveted APC ticket.
Adelabu’s exit may open the door for other candidates to consolidate support within the party, especially as tensions over nomination procedures continue to simmer. His call for accountability and transparency could influence how future primaries are conducted across Nigeria’s political parties. As the 2027 election approaches, the focus will remain on whether the APC can address these concerns and restore confidence among its members and the public.
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