2027: “I Received President Tinubu’s Blessing Before Resigning” — Bayo Adelabu
Afeez Bello,
Ibadan, Oyo State.
Oyo State APC frontline gubernatorial aspirant, Oloye Adebayo Adekola Adelabu, has hinted that he received the blessing of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, before resigning as Federal Minister of Power.
Speaking to APC leaders and stakeholders drawn from across the 33 local governments of the state at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, Adelabu described Tinubu’s backing as decisive to his governorship ambition.
The meeting included a remembrance prayer for the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, whom Adelabu said remained a key inspiration in his political journey—dating back to the early days of his gubernatorial project.
According to Adelabu, his decision to contest is rooted in long-term planning and a commitment to party structure.
“I believe in party structure which is in your hands,” he told the gathering. “I have informed my ward leaders, local government leaders, state leaders, local executives, and ward executives. In the past few months I have toured all the local governments, and I will still tour them again.”
Adelabu further said the purpose of the meeting was to seek support ahead of the party’s next steps – primary elections and general elections.
“After getting the ticket, we will still meet again,” he said. “Today’s meeting is to seek your support and assistance regarding my aspiration.
Adelabu claimed he is the most prepared among gubernatorial aspirants, emphasising that his resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria years ago was part of the same ambition.
“I have spent almost 12 years on this journey. During this period, I drafted what my government will do—for the state, for the people, and for party leaders and members,” Adelabu added.
“My mentor, President Tinubu, is prepared—and so am I.”
Adelabu made a direct comparison between Tinubu’s readiness for leadership and his own preparedness to govern Oyo State.
Adelabu argued that the kind of pro-people governance Nigeria is experiencing today is largely because “President Tinubu is the most prepared”, adding that Tinubu has long planned what he intends to offer Nigeria.
“Mr. President has planned what he wants to offer Nigeria for several years. Likewise, I have planned what I want to offer the state since I have not been aspiring to occupy any position other than the executive role of governor as an experienced executive person,” he humbly stated.
Warning against failure of succession
In a stern warning, Adelabu described the governorship contest as a defining moment for the APC, urging aspirants and leaders to avoid internal sabotage and to prioritise party victory.
“This is the battle of the soul of the progressives and the fight for the survival of the progressives,” he said. “We must not miss this opportunity.”
“Inability to produce a successor in 2003 and 2019 is a setback for progressive families,” he said. “The party shouldn’t present a candidate that the opposition has set a trap for—so we must consider the fate of our party.”
Adelabu urged all aspirants to contest through party primaries and insisted that, while aspirants may be brothers, the party remains supreme.
“All aspirants are brothers in the end, but the party is supreme,” he said. “Let every aspirant go for primaries for a credible candidate to emerge, and we should protect the progressives. By His Grace, I’m confident of victory, support me”
Why he resigned late
When asked why his resignation did not follow the expected timeline, Adelabu rejected the insinuation that he delayed without cause.
“I did not resign on time due to my work as a minister,” he said. “I was overseas during the period the federal government set as the deadline. I called and I was asked to continue my work.
Adelabu explained that after President Tinubu consulted with stakeholders, he met with the president physically.
“After the president had a consultation meeting with stakeholders, I had a physical meeting with Baba for one hour and 30 minutes,” Adelabu said. “We discussed my work as a minister. The president later asked about my ambition to become the governor of Oyo State.
“My leader, father and mentor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, blessed me as his own son on my quest to become the next governor of Oyo State,” he revealed.
“Baba encouraged me that we have been on this ambition for long and I should go and resign and start work immediately.
According to Adelabu, the president’s approval was clear from the way his resignation was received and processed by top government leadership.
“Everyone can see how the Secretary to the Government of the Federation received me and how we displayed the resignation letter,” he said. “Is it possible that I will be celebrating it if the president is not happy with my resignation?”
Adelabu asserted that both President Tinubu and the party’s leadership are behind him, and promised never to let them down.”So I have the backing of my father, Mr President on this project, and with your backing as well, victory is ours,” Adelabu said.
