Adelabu Joins Oyo Govenorship Race

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, marking the beginning of what promises to be a fiercely contested political race in the Southwest state.

Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the 2019 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo, made his ambition known during strategic meetings held on Friday with party leaders and stakeholders in Ogbomoso and Oyo town.

According to the minister, the gatherings were part of a broader consultation process aimed at engaging key political figures and grassroots members of the APC across all geopolitical zones of the state.

He stated that the discussions were crucial for laying the groundwork for his return to the governorship race and ensuring alignment with party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adelabu, who joined President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in 2023, expressed confidence in the APC’s chances of reclaiming power in Oyo State, which is currently under the control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Governor Seyi Makinde.

His declaration signals an early start to political maneuvering in the state, as various power blocs within the APC begin repositioning ahead of the primaries.

Sources close to the minister say he intends to leverage both his federal profile and past campaign experience to mount a stronger bid this time around.

Adelabu’s re-entry into the governorship race is expected to reshape political dynamics in the state, especially within the APC, where internal alignment and consensus-building will play a crucial role in determining the party’s eventual flagbearer.