Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu appears to have taken the lead on the list of potential aspirants for the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State.
The minister, at the weekend, declared an interest in the race during consultations with key All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the state.
“I am here to tell you that I want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027. I am ready to put to test all experience I have gathered from the past two elections.
Adelabu was quoted in the media, as saying that the consultations, which involved stakeholders in Oyo and Ogbomoso areas, were part of his legwork ahead of 2027.
Widely touted as President Bola Tinubu’s preferred choice for the race, the minister however, assured the stakeholders of a transparent selection process, saying there would not be imposition of candidate by anyone.
“I am up to the task. I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious,” he was quoted to have said.
The minister pleaded with those he might have offended through his actions and utterances in the past to forgive him.
According to him, they should put whatever grievances behind them focus on the bigger picture of seeing the APC win the state in the next election.
“I am not against other zones becoming governor of the state, all I know is that God’s time is the best.
“Ogbomoso is very important in this state election, I am here to seek for your support and backing. I am happy to see that all the factions in Ogbomoso are now one,” he was quoted as saying to the stakeholders in Ogbomoso.
Adelabu also urged the supporters to support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, for “more dividends of democracy.”
“This is another turn of Yoruba to serve their two terms as President of Nigeria. Nigeria has a lot to benefit if Tinubu is re-elected,” Adelabu added.
Addressing stakeholders in the ancient Oyo town, the minister urged them to support his aspiration.
“I will run all inclusive government where everybody will be involved in governance of the state and no one will be left behind if I become governor of the state in 2027.
“I am here for people to know that no one can impose anybody. I want to work and prove to our party members that I am up to the task. I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious.
“Oyo is like a second home to me, my supporters, followers, associates and allied are all here. They have been supporting me in the past and they are ready to support me again.
“I will give what is due to Oyo. Oyo zone deserves better treatment because it is symbolic. Oyo is historical, symbolic and a blessing to the entire state,”
Juwon, one of the politician sons of a former Oyo governor, the late Adebayo Alao-Akala, also pleaded with the party stakeholders to unite to enable the party win in 2027.
Adelabu’s aspiration has been generating controversy in the state for the fact that he is an Ibadan indigene, same as the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde.
Makinde, who is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is on the second leg of his two-term tenure of eight years.
Stakeholders from other zones, especially Oke Ogun, are said to have, long before now, stated a determination to give their all to ensure that the seat rotates to their zone in 2027.
