Adelabu’s 2027 Governorship Bid: Political Pedigree Meets Party Tensions in Oyo APC By Alabi Re Mí Re
As the race toward the 2027 gubernatorial elections in Oyo State quietly gathers steam, political watchers are turning their focus to Adebayo Adelabu, the current Minister of Power and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. A well-known figure in Oyo politics, Adelabu’s return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023 has reignited conversations about his potential candidacy—and the internal dynamics that could shape his political future.
Adelabu, who contested the 2019 governorship election under the APC but lost to Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had defected to the Accord Party after failing to clinch the APC ticket for the 2023 elections. His comeback to the APC was framed as a move to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. “I returned to the APC to help President Tinubu succeed, not because of 2027 governorship ambition,” Adelabu stated at a press .
However, his supporters have not hidden their aspirations for him. Bolaji Tunji, a longtime aide, recently declared that Adelabu remains the most qualified candidate within the APC fold. “No other aspirant can match Adelabu’s pedigree—his record in public service, administrative experience, and leadership are unmatched,” Tunji asserted.
Despite these endorsements, Adelabu’s candidacy faces hurdles within the APC. Some party leaders remain wary of his previous defection and warn against any attempt to impose him as the party’s flagbearer. Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, expressed strong reservations, cautioning that “the APC could be in trouble” if Adelabu is selected without wide internal consensus.
Further complicating the picture is the growing agitation for regional equity in Oyo politics. Leaders from the Oke-Ogun zone—a region that has never produced a governor in the state’s history—are increasingly vocal in their demands for the 2027 ticket. “Oke-Ogun deserves its turn. For decades, power has been concentrated in Ibadan,” this has been an household song now in Oke-Ogun.
Adelabu, an Ibadan indigene and grandson of the famed Adegoke Adelabu “Penkelemesi,” will need to confront both sentiments and internal opposition if he is to secure the APC ticket. Analysts believe his chances hinge on his ability to unify the party, build consensus, and convincingly frame his candidacy as one for all regions of the state. But can Adelabu get it right? Wont Teslim Folarin pays a return match? Perception of Ibadan elders about Adelabu not accommodating and stingy? Oyo APC leaders and members especially youth personal interest on who get the governorship ticket? Adelabu recent aloof with late governor, late Abiola Ajimobi family.
While 2027 may seem distant, the political undercurrents in Oyo State are already shifting. Whether Adelabu can harness them in his favor—or fall victim to them once again—remains to be seen.
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