Oyo 2027: Adebayo Adelabu Officially Declares For Governorship Race
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — FORMER Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Adelabu’s declaration received the endorsement of prominent APC leaders and stakeholders across the state, who described him as the most credible aspirant within the party to lead Oyo State in 2027.
Among APC leaders present at the declaration were Alhaji Mufutau Adisa Gbayawu, Hon. Lekan Adeyemo, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Alhaji Wale Sanusi, Chief Goke Oyetunji, Chief Muyibi Oluokun, Alhaji Bao, Hon. Diran Ogundijo, Sunday Adewale, and Alhaji Rasheed Folarin, among others.
The party leaders urged APC members and residents of the state to rally behind Adelabu, expressing confidence in his leadership capacity and administrative competence.
According to them, Adelabu’s track record in both the public and private sectors places him ahead of other aspirants within the party.
They further stated that if elected governor in 2027, Adelabu would deliver purposeful governance and exceed the expectations of the people of Oyo State.
Speaking during the declaration event attended by party faithful, supporters, artisans, traders, and various socio-cultural groups, Adelabu said his decision to contest again was driven by the need to reposition Oyo State for greater development and prosperity.
“Oyo State deserves more in terms of leadership and development,” he said.
He identified visionary leadership, competent governance, economic transformation, security, stability, and prosperity as key priorities of his proposed administration.
According to Adelabu, governance must go beyond rhetoric and translate into measurable development capable of improving the living standards of the people.
He noted that his experience, exposure, and administrative capacity have adequately prepared him to move the state from “potential to prosperity.”
The former minister added that the principles of capacity, competence, character, compassion, and courage would define his administration if elected governor.
Adelabu also unveiled his development blueprint tagged the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda,” which focuses on economic revival, job creation, improved security architecture, agricultural revolution, effective local government administration, and social welfare for vulnerable residents.
Other areas highlighted in the agenda include education reform, healthcare transformation, infrastructure and urban renewal, youth and women empowerment, civil service reforms, as well as promotion of culture, tourism, and heritage.
“My vision is to build a greater Oyo State that is economically vibrant, educationally advanced, agriculturally and industrially competitive, socially secure, and inclusive for all,” he stated.
He stressed that the 2027 election would be about securing a better future for children, creating jobs for youths, improving healthcare and education, and ensuring inclusive governance across the state.
“I offer myself not as a perfect man, but as a prepared leader and a servant committed to delivering results,” Adelabu declared.
He described his declaration as the beginning of a movement aimed at restoring, rebuilding, repositioning, and reclaiming Oyo State for people-centered governance under the APC.
The event was attended by several political associates and interest groups, including Engr. Popoola Joshua, Mogaji Abiodun Gbolagade, Asiwaju Seun Olalere, the Oyo State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), members of the Arewa community in Oyo State, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), traders, and artisans.