Adelabu Officially Declares Oyo Governorship Ambition

…As Minister of Power pledges people-centered governance, economic transformation and security

Former Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising to deliver “genuine progress, prosperity, and people-centered governance” if elected.

Adelabu made the declaration during a gathering held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, popularly known as Liberty Stadium, in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Addressing party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, women groups, professionals, artisans, students, market men and women, and supporters from across the state, Adelabu described the event as “a defining moment” and the beginning of a movement to “restore, rebuild, reposition, and reclaim Oyo State.”

“I stand before you today with humility, gratitude to Almighty God, and a profound sense of duty to formally declare my intention to contest for the Office of the Governor of Oyo State in the 2027 General Elections,” he said.

The former governorship candidate of the APC expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and commitment to progressive governance in Nigeria.

He also commended APC leaders and supporters at the national, state, local government, and ward levels for their loyalty and sacrifices toward the growth of the party.

Reflecting on the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State, Adelabu said although victory eluded him, the outcome did not diminish his vision for the state.

“In 2019, you believed in me. You stood with me. Though victory was denied through an unusual alliance of opposition interests, your faith never wavered.

That election was not a defeat of vision; it was a delay in destiny,” he stated.Adelabu paid tribute to his grandfather, the late Adegoke Adelabu, popularly known as “Penkelemesi,” describing him as a nationalist whose ideas on governance and human development remain relevant.

According to him, his decision to contest again is driven by the belief that Oyo State deserves “visionary leadership, competent governance, economic transformation, security, and prosperity that reaches every home.”

He added that governance must move beyond rhetoric and deliver measurable development to the people.

“My vision is to build a Greater Oyo State that is economically vibrant, educationally advanced, agriculturally productive, industrially competitive, socially secure, and inclusive for all,” Adelabu declared.

Calling for unity within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, the minister urged party leaders, aspirants, and stakeholders to close ranks and prioritize collective victory over personal ambition.“We must unite.

We must close ranks. We must prioritize party supremacy, discipline, and shared victory over individual ambition. There is no progress without unity, and there is no victory without solidarity,” he said.

Adelabu concluded by appealing for prayers, support, unity, and votes from the people of the state, expressing confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election.“Together, we will reclaim Oyo State.

Together, we will restore progressive governance. Together, we will create jobs and protect the vulnerable,” he added.