‘No candidate will be imposed in Oyo APC for 2027’ – Adelabu

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will impose a candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Adelabu made this known while addressing ward leaders, local executives, and stakeholders of the APC in Ibadan South-East Local Government at his Iyaganku residence.

According to him, the party in Oyo State will conduct primary elections at the appropriate time, stressing that the best candidate will emerge through a free and fair process without imposition.

“I’m ready to engage in healthy competition that won’t lead to hatred or bad blood. After the primaries, there should be room for reconciliation. Those who lose will still be compensated with nominations or appointments so that no one is left empty-handed,” Adelabu said.

He described President Tinubu as a true democrat who values the voice of the people and won’t cause division in any state. “Even if the President has a personal preference for an aspirant, he won’t come to vote in any state. All aspirants belong to him,” he added.

Adelabu recalled that in 2019, he emerged as the APC governorship candidate through a keenly contested primary without imposition, noting that his campaign was the most vigorous and visible.

In his remarks, the Oyo South Senatorial Chairman of the APC, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, assured that members of the party would support whoever emerges as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in 2027.