Oyo 2027: Adelabu Backs Down, Seeks APC Reconciliation

Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu, has backed down from pursuing legal action over the party’s governorship primary, calling for a comprehensive reconciliation process ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adelabu made his position known in a statement released in Ibadan on Thursday, explaining that his decision was taken in the interest of peace, party stability and the future of the APC in the state.

He said the decision was not due to a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction, but followed consultations with party leaders and representatives of his loyalists and supporters across the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards.

Some Oyo APC governorship aspirants have been challenging the party’s handling of the primary that produced Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The aspirants had alleged that Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was imposed on the party.

Adelabu said that, as a loyal APC member, he had decided not to pursue an internal appeal or institute legal proceedings over the primary at this time.

He, however, maintained that his decision should not be interpreted as surrender.

“This decision is not because of a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction,” Adelabu said, adding that he had chosen not to escalate the matter in a way that could deepen divisions within the party.

He noted that the APC national chairman had acknowledged during a recent visit to Oyo that there were errors, unfairness and injustice associated with aspects of the primary process.

Adelabu argued that an acknowledgement or apology should not replace necessary corrections where grievances could still be addressed.

He said many party members felt their years of sacrifice, resources and political contributions had been disregarded, particularly because the actual results of the primary were allegedly not transparently published.

According to him, the concerns extend beyond the governorship to senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly nominations.

He claimed that documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence existed to raise questions about aspects of the nomination process and its outcomes.

Adelabu therefore urged the APC national leadership to urgently begin a sincere and credible reconciliation process involving all affected stakeholders.

He said members who felt betrayed or alienated should be engaged through concrete actions that would restore their confidence in the party.

The former minister stressed that electoral victory could not be achieved simply by announcing candidates, arguing that elections depended on the trust, enthusiasm and active participation of party members, particularly at the grassroots.

Adelabu also maintained that his ambition to govern Oyo State was driven by a desire to contribute to its development and prosperity, insisting that the aspiration had never been a do-or-die affair.

He said recent developments might have delayed his ambition but expressed confidence that the outcome would ultimately be determined by God’s timing.