Tinubu’s minister declares 2027 governorship bid in Oyo State

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced that he will run for governor of Oyo State in 2027, vowing to return the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and take it from the current ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Adelabu, who previously contested the 2019 governorship election under the APC, made this known on Friday during consultations with party leaders and supporters in the Ogbomoso and Oyo zones.

While speaking at the home of party chieftain Ayoade Adeseun in Ogbomoso, he said the meetings were part of efforts to engage with the grassroots and build a strong alliance in preparation for the next election.

“I’m here to tell you that I want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027,” Adelabu told party members. “I’m ready to put to test all the experience I’ve gathered from the past two elections.”

He promised that the APC would not force any aspirant on the party and said he is ready to prove his strength in a fair contest. “I’m up to the task, I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious,” he added.

Appealing to party members who may have been offended in the past, the minister asked for forgiveness and stressed the importance of unity in the party. He called on everyone to focus on winning back control of the state.

“We should be concerned with how the party will come back to power in 2027,” he said. “Ogbomoso is very important in this state’s politics. I’m happy to see that all factions here are now united.”

Governor Seyi Makinde of the PDP is currently serving his second and final term and is expected to back a candidate to succeed him.

During his stop in Oyo town, Adelabu said he would govern inclusively if elected.

“I will run an all-inclusive government where everybody will be involved in the governance of the state and no one will be left behind,” he said. “Oyo zone deserves better treatment because it is symbolic. Oyo is historical, symbolic, and a blessing to the entire state.”

He also used the occasion to ask for support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.

“This is another turn of Yorubas to serve their two terms as President of Nigeria. Nigeria has a lot to benefit if Tinubu is re-elected,” Adelabu declared.