Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, has formally declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship seat in the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made during strategic meetings with key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbomoso and Oyo zones, marking the beginning of what appears to be an early mobilization effort.
At a high-level gathering held at the Ogbomoso residence of APC chieftain Chief Ayoade Adeseun, Adelabu said his ambition is rooted in his desire to bring his past political and administrative experiences to bear on the governance of the state.
He assured party members that the party’s flag bearer would emerge through a transparent and fair process, adding that “no aspirant will be imposed.”
“I’m up to the task. I want to demonstrate my ability to compete and emerge victorious,” the minister said, while urging unity within the party and appealing to aggrieved members to let go of past grievances. “I’m here to announce my intention to run for governor of Oyo State in 2027. I’m ready to apply the experiences I’ve gained from the past two elections.”
Adelabu underscored the importance of the Ogbomoso zone in shaping the APC’s electoral success and lauded the growing cohesion among the various political blocs in the region.
He also used the opportunity to rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid, noting that a second term for the president would be a significant opportunity for the Yoruba nation and beneficial to the country at large.
During a separate consultation in Oyo town, Adelabu promised to run an inclusive government if elected, one that reflects the diversity and needs of the people.
The minister described Oyo as his second home and praised the area’s political loyalty.
“Oyo deserves better treatment because it is symbolic and a blessing to the entire state,” he said.
In their remarks, Chief Ayoade Adeseun and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, son of the late former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, urged party members to put aside personal differences and work together to ensure the APC reclaims power in the state in 2027.
The meetings signal the start of Adelabu’s structured bid to consolidate support within the APC ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship race.
