Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State following his loss in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary.
Adelabu announced his decision in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, titled, “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice.”
The former minister stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an acceptance of what he described as injustices surrounding the party’s governorship primary.
According to him, the decision followed deep reflection and a strategic reassessment of recent developments within the APC, as well as the political journey ahead.
Adelabu disclosed that he travelled outside the country for a short vacation following the “intensity and challenges” of the past several months. He said he returned to consult with party leaders and supporters across Oyo State.
He said the meetings focused on concerns raised by party members, aspirants and other stakeholders over the nomination process, including the senatorial, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly contests.
“We agreed that the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results has understandably generated serious concerns about the transparency, credibility and integrity of the nomination process,” Adelabu said.
He added that documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence were available and, in his view, raised significant questions about aspects of the process and its eventual outcomes.
Despite raising the concerns, Adelabu said he had decided to close his participation in the 2027 governorship contest while making it clear that his withdrawal did not amount to conceding the alleged injustice.
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