Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed any aspirant for the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections. He described such claims as false and misleading, urging party members and the public to disregard them.
The clarification comes amid growing political tension within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress following reports that some party stakeholders in Ibadan had adopted Senator Sharafadeen Alli as a consensus governorship candidate. It was also alleged that a former senator, Ayo Adeseun, suggested that the president had shown support for the arrangement in his capacity as national leader of the party.
Speaking at a party gathering in Ibadan South East, Adelabu rejected the claims and insisted that no endorsement had been made by President Tinubu for any aspirant in the state. He stressed that all contenders remain equal in the race for the party ticket.
Adelabu further disclosed that he had a private meeting with President Tinubu where his governorship ambition was discussed. According to him, the president encouraged him to pursue his political aspiration and assured him that he would not face any obstruction in his ambition.
He added that the president also advised party leaders to continue consultations among stakeholders to possibly reach a consensus candidate. However, he noted that where consensus cannot be achieved, the party would proceed with direct primaries to select its flag bearer.
The former minister expressed confidence in his chances, stating that he remains optimistic about emerging as the party candidate regardless of any internal arrangements. He maintained that the APC process in Oyo State is still open and fair to all aspirants.
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