Oyo 2027: Adelabu dismisses claims of APC consensus adoption of Alli

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has denied reports suggesting that Senator Sharafadeen Alli has been adopted as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election in Oyo State.

Adelabu, speaking through his aide, Femi Awogboro on Tuesday described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the minister remains one of the leading aspirants for the party’s governorship ticket.

Awogboro also dismissed claims that Alli’s alleged endorsement was reached during a meeting at the Lagos residence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He clarified that the gathering was merely a Sallah visit and not a political meeting convened to decide on a consensus candidate, explaining that Adelabu did not attend the meeting because he was observing the Lesser Hajj at the time, adding that it would be unlikely for such a major political decision to be taken without the involvement of key stakeholders.

According to him, any genuine move to adopt a consensus candidate would have included notable party leaders such as Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, along with other influential stakeholders in Oyo State.

Awogboro further stressed that there has been no official endorsement from President Tinubu backing any aspirant, noting that such a decision would require extensive consultations across party structures in the state.

While urging party members and supporters to remain calm, Awogboro maintained that Adelabu possesses the experience and political credentials required to lead Oyo State, reiterating that he remains a strong contender in the race and would be supported by President Tinubu because he poses a strong challenge against any opponent backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2027 governorship election.