Adelabu’s guber ambition gains momentum as Ibadan leaders rally behind notable philanthropist
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State on Saturday have thrown their weight behind the former minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, endorsing him as a leading governorship aspirant for the 2027 election during his visit to his family house in Oke Odo, Ori Aje, Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The endorsement came as party stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers gathered to receive Adelabu, who used the visit to formally signal his entry into the race and present his nomination form to local leaders.
Addressing supporters, Adelabu said his return to his family home underscored his grassroots connection and readiness to serve the people of Oyo State.
“I’m tired of singing and dancing all this while; now, I want to serve in government. I came home first because charity begins at home,” he said.
Adelabu confirmed that he had resigned from his ministerial position to pursue his ambition, explaining that the move followed consultations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as his political benefactor.
According to Adelabu, the president gave his blessing for the governorship bid and encouraged him to proceed without delay.
“At my level, I cannot take such a decision without informing Mr President. He told me to go ahead and start work in earnest because time is already going,” he stated.
While acknowledging ongoing conversations around consensus within the APC, Adelabu said he remains open to either a negotiated arrangement or a competitive primary process.
“If consensus is possible, we will embrace it. If not, we will all go to the field for a free and fair direct primary,” he added.
Party leaders present at the gathering openly declared support for Adelabu, describing him as a tested administrator with the capacity to reposition the state.
Chief Saka Alimi, who spoke on behalf of a key party bloc, affirmed that no meaningful unity arrangement within the APC could be achieved without broad-based leadership involvement, stressing that the forum he represents stands firmly behind Adelabu’s aspiration.
Similarly, Chief Wale Sanusi urged the party to allow all aspirants to participate in a transparent primary election, expressing confidence that Adelabu would emerge victorious based on his track record and grassroots appeal.
Also lending his voice, Hon. Aderemi Ogundele cautioned against what he described as attempts by “external forces” to influence the party’s internal process, insisting that APC members in Oyo State would determine their candidate through due democratic procedures.
