Adelabu Withdraws from Oyo 2027 Gubernatorial Race Amid Alleged Party Injustice.
Adelabu Withdraws from Oyo 2027 Gubernatorial Race Amid Alleged Party Injustice.
Adebayo Adelabu, a prominent Nigerian politician and former Minister of Power, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 gubernatorial race in Oyo State. His decision comes after he failed to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the upcoming election. Adelabu announced his withdrawal in a personal statement titled, “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice,” which he signed and released on Thursday.
In his statement, Adelabu emphasized that his decision to step back from the race was not a concession of the alleged injustices that characterized the APC’s governorship primary in Oyo State. Instead, he explained that the move was borne out of deep reflection and a strategic reassessment of the recent developments within the party and the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former minister disclosed that he had taken a brief vacation abroad following the intense and challenging months leading up to the primary. Upon returning to Nigeria, he engaged in consultations with party leaders, supporters, and stakeholders across Oyo State. These meetings aimed to review the concerns raised about the nomination process, which many believed lacked transparency and fairness.
Adelabu pointed out that the concerns voiced by party members and aspirants centered around the credibility of the primary process. He noted that there was a widespread perception that the process was marred by irregularities, with claims that verifiable results were not publicly declared or properly documented. He revealed that there were substantial documentary materials, including collation records and video evidence, which raised serious questions about the integrity of the nomination outcomes.
“The absence of publicly declared and verifiable results has understandably generated serious concerns about the transparency, credibility, and integrity of the nomination process,” Adelabu stated. He further explained that these issues prompted him to reconsider his position and led to his decision to withdraw from the race, despite not officially conceding to the process.
Adelabu’s withdrawal marks a significant development in Oyo politics as the state prepares for the 2027 elections. The move is seen by many as an attempt to foster reconciliation within the APC and to encourage a more transparent and credible electoral process moving forward. While he remains committed to the party and its ideals, Adelabu’s departure from the race underscores the ongoing challenges of internal party democracy and the importance of ensuring fair nominations in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
As the political landscape in Oyo continues to evolve, Adelabu’s decision may influence future strategies within the APC and could open avenues for dialogue and unity among party members and supporters. His stance highlights the growing call for transparency and fairness in Nigerian politics, especially in critical electoral processes.
