Oyo 2027: Adelabu rejects alleged APC consensus endorsement of Alli

By Adejayan Gbenga

The immediate past Minister of Power and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has rejected the reported endorsement of Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Adelabu described the alleged endorsement by some party leaders as invalid, warning that it could undermine the APC’s chances in the state if not addressed.

Speaking during a meeting with party leaders and stakeholders, he cautioned that any endorsement carried out without the consent of President Tinubu and the broader party structure could trigger internal crises.

He noted that President Tinubu had indicated a preference for a direct primary process if consensus fails, stressing that unilateral endorsements contradict that position. “Any endorsement done without the consent of the state party leadership and other aspirants is null and void. It is a distortion of democratic principles and will not stand,” Adelabu said.

He further warned that such actions could weaken party cohesion and expose the APC to potential legal challenges from other aspirants who have obtained nomination forms.

Reaffirming his ambition, he pledged to contest the party’s primary and expressed confidence in emerging victorious before going on to win the governorship election.

Meanwhile, several party stakeholders, including Mufutau Adisa Gbayawu, Isiaka Alimi and Wale Sanusi, distanced themselves from the alleged endorsement, of Alli, describing it as “lacking legitimacy”.

They equally called on party members to disregard the development and rally behind Adelabu, reaffirming that divisive actions could weaken the party’s structure ahead of the polls.