Ex-Minister of Power Adelabu rejects consensus plan in Oyo State

By Adejayan Gbenga

Former Minister of Power and Oyo State governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, rejecting moves within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose a consensus candidate.

Adelabu made his position known on Tuesday during a meeting with the APC State Executive Council at the party secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, where he formally notified leaders of his ambition.

He said his visit was to reaffirm his loyalty to the party and ensure transparency in his political plans ahead of the next election cycle.

The former minister, who recently resigned from the office, said his exit was to allow him to focus fully on his governorship ambition. In his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve as minister of power, noting that his time in office allowed him to contribute to ongoing reforms in the sector.

Addressing party leaders, Adelabu strongly opposed the idea of selecting a consensus candidate, insisting that all aspirants must be allowed to contest fairly. “Don’t let them hijack our party. I am ready to follow due process. Someone cannot declare himself as the consensus candidate over other aspirants,” he said.

He added that any consensus arrangement must involve all stakeholders across different political blocs within the party, warning that unilateral decisions would not be acceptable. “A consensus without party executives, aspirants, and stakeholders is null and void. I will contest, win, and become the next governor of the state in 2027,” Adelabu added.

The ex-minister also promised an inclusive administration focused on wealth creation and balanced development across Oyo State if elected.

Reacting , the APC State Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, praised Adelabu’s approach, describing him as a committed party member with strong electoral potential.