- Adebayo Adelabu has withdrawn from the race for the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State
- He said his decision does not mean he accepts the alleged irregularities in the nomination process
- Adelabu called on the APC leadership to reconcile aggrieved members and stakeholders
Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the race for the 2027 governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Adelabu, who previously served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, announced his decision in a statement he personally signed on Thursday.
The statement, titled “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice,” made it clear that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an acceptance of what he described as irregularities in the party’s governorship primary.
The former minister said his decision followed extensive consultations with APC leaders and supporters across the state, as well as a careful review of recent developments within the party.
Adelabu disclosed that he had spent some time outside the country on vacation following what he described as several demanding months. On his return, he met with party leaders and supporters to discuss concerns surrounding the governorship primary and other legislative nominations.
According to him, the absence of publicly announced and verifiable results from the primary had raised serious questions about the transparency and credibility of the exercise.
He also claimed that documentary evidence, authenticated collation records and video materials were available to support concerns raised about the process and its outcome.
Despite these concerns, Adelabu said he had decided not to appeal the primary within the party or pursue legal action at this stage.
He explained that the decision was not based on a lack of evidence or confidence in his position, but was intended to protect party unity and prevent further divisions within the APC in Oyo State.
Adelabu said his ambition to become governor had never been a do-or-die affair, adding that he preferred to prioritise peace and the long-term interests of the party.
He also referred to a recent visit to Oyo State by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, during which he said the party leader acknowledged that errors, unfairness and injustice had occurred in aspects of the primary process.
However, Adelabu maintained that acknowledging the problems should be followed by efforts to address legitimate grievances where possible.
He therefore called on the APC national leadership to begin a broad reconciliation process covering the various nominations and involving all affected aspirants and stakeholders.
The former minister urged the party to engage members who feel disappointed or sidelined and demonstrate through concrete actions that their contributions and loyalty remain valued.
Adelabu reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and said he had no intention of leaving the party despite his decision to end his challenge over the nomination process.
He contested the APC governorship ticket alongside 12 other aspirants, including Senator Sharafadeen Alli of Oyo South, who was eventually selected as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
