Former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has urged members of the party to close ranks ahead of the 2027 governorship election, saying reconciliation and unity are crucial to reclaiming power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Adelabu made the call on Thursday while speaking with journalists during the sixth-year Fidau prayer held in honour of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi at his private residence in Oluyole Estate, Ibadan.

Reflecting on his relationship with the late governor, Adelabu described Ajimobi as a father figure whose leadership inspired his entry into politics. According to him, the former governor provided mentorship, direction and exemplary governance that attracted him to public service.

He noted that the APC in Oyo State remained cohesive and united during Ajimobi’s administration, unlike the internal divisions currently confronting the party.

Adelabu praised the late governor’s style of governance, particularly his approach to security, infrastructure and education, describing him as a leader who confronted challenges with courage and determination.

Recalling his tenure as Chairman of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Adelabu said Ajimobi’s administration adopted a firm stance against criminality, adding that the former governor was committed to ensuring the state remained safe through proactive security measures.

He appealed to party members to put collective interest above personal ambition, respect the need for reconciliation and work together to strengthen the APC ahead of the next governorship election.

Also speaking, former Secretary to the State Government, Olalekan Ali, called on APC members to unite and focus on rebuilding the party. He urged aggrieved stakeholders to embrace dialogue and compromise, stressing that political success ultimately rests on God’s will rather than individual ambition.

Ali appealed to all factions within the party to prioritise the future of Oyo State over personal interests and resolve lingering disagreements peacefully.

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District, described Ajimobi as a principled, courageous and straightforward leader whose mentorship greatly influenced his political career.

While acknowledging the party’s internal challenges, Buhari expressed confidence that genuine commitment and sincerity among stakeholders could restore unity within the APC.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of Oluyole Estate Extension, Mudathir Bada, said the memorial gathering served as a reminder of the importance of the fear of God, urging people to live according to divine principles and fulfil their purpose in life.

The prayer session was attended by members of Ajimobi’s family, political associates, friends and public office holders from different parts of the country.

Ajimobi, who served as governor of Oyo State from 2011 to 2019, died on June 25, 2020, at the age of 70 following complications from COVID-19. He was buried at his residence in Oluyole Estate, Ibadan.