Adelabu Says 2027 Oyo Governorship Ambition Is Not ‘Do-Or-Die’

Former Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu has said he will not challenge in court the process that produced Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the APC’s candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.

Adelabu, who decided after consultations with party leaders, loyalists and supporters across the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards, said his priority is preserving peace and preventing further divisions within the party. He stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as surrender, weakness or a lack of confidence in his grievances.

The APC in Oyo State has faced internal disagreements over the governorship primary, with several aspirants questioning the process and alleging that the outcome was imposed.

Adelabu said the APC national chairman had acknowledged “errors, unfairness and injustice” surrounding aspects of the primary during a recent visit to the state, but argued that an acknowledgement or apology should not substitute for corrective action where legitimate grievances remain.

He also pointed to concerns among party members that their votes and preferences were disregarded and that candidates were submitted to INEC without publicly declared results supporting the nominations.

Adelabu maintained that documentary evidence, authenticated collation records and video materials are available to support concerns about the credibility of the nomination process. He said similar complaints extend beyond the governorship primary to nominations for senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly positions, raising questions about transparency within the party.

While choosing not to pursue legal action himself, Adelabu urged the APC national leadership to take responsibility for reconciliation and restore members’ confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.