Adelabu Urges Party Stakeholders to Close Ranks Ahead of Governorship Race

…As Former minister formally declares for Oyo governorship, calls for APC unity

Former Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, urging party leaders, stakeholders, and aspirants to place collective victory above personal ambition.

Adelabu made the call on Tuesday while formally declaring his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the platform of the APC during a gathering held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, popularly known as Liberty Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Speaking before party faithful, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, women groups, professionals, artisans, students, market men and women, and supporters from across the state, the former APC governorship candidate described the event as a defining moment for the future of Oyo State.

“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,” Adelabu said.

He noted that his ambition was driven by the desire to reposition Oyo State for economic growth, improved security, and inclusive development.

“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 stated.

Adelabu promised to deliver what he described as genuine progress, prosperity, and people-centered governance if elected governor.

According to him, Oyo State deserves visionary leadership, competent governance, economic transformation, and prosperity that reaches every household.

He added that governance must move beyond political rhetoric and produce measurable development for 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,” he declared.

The minister also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to progressive governance in the country.

He commended APC leaders and supporters at the national, state, local government, and ward levels for their sacrifices and loyalty to the party over the years.Reflecting on the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State, Adelabu said the outcome did not weaken his resolve to serve 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 said.Adelabu also paid tribute to his grandfather, the late Adegoke Adelabu, popularly known as “Penkelemesi,” describing him as a nationalist whose ideals and contributions to governance remain relevant.

He appealed for prayers, support, and unity 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.