Oyo 2027: Adelabu Withdraws From Governorship Race, Calls for APC Reconciliation

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the 2027 Oyo State governorship race after losing the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination.

Adelabu announced his decision in a statement he personally signed on Thursday titled, “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice.”

The former minister stressed that stepping away from the contest should not be interpreted as accepting what he described as injustices surrounding the APC governorship primary in the state.

He said the decision followed extensive reflection and a reassessment of recent developments within the party, as well as his political path ahead.

Adelabu disclosed that he had taken a short vacation outside Nigeria following what he described as the intensity and challenges of the previous months. He said he returned to consult with APC leaders and supporters across Oyo State before deciding on his next step.

According to him, the consultations focused on concerns raised by party members, aspirants and other stakeholders over the nomination process. He said similar concerns had also emerged over the party’s nominations for the Senate, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly.

“We agreed that the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results has understandably generated serious concerns about the transparency, credibility and integrity of the nomination process,” Adelabu said.

He added that documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence were available which, in his view, raised serious questions about parts of the process and the results announced. Despite withdrawing from the governorship contest, Adelabu’s position indicates that his concerns over the APC primary remain unresolved.

The former minister’s withdrawal could now shift attention to efforts to reconcile competing interests within the Oyo APC as the party prepares for the 2027 general election.