2027: Tinubu, Olubadan Not Backing Any Aspirant — Adelabu

In Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, governorship hopeful and former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, said neither President Bola Tinubu nor the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has endorsed any aspirant ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship race, dismissing claims of secret backing for any candidate.

Addressing party supporters and members shortly after returning from Abuja, Adelabu said reports linking the President and the traditional ruler to any preferred aspirant were false and should be ignored. He said the governorship contest remains open to all interested contenders within the All Progressives Congress.

According to him, President Tinubu has not chosen any consensus candidate for the race and has instead advised party stakeholders in the state to resolve the matter internally. He said the President encouraged party leaders to agree on a consensus candidate if possible, but where that fails, aspirants should face each other in a direct primary.

Adelabu said the President, as leader of the country, has wider responsibilities and would not be involved in favouring any individual in the Oyo contest. He maintained that the party process should be allowed to take its course without false claims of presidential endorsement.

He also dismissed reports that the Olubadan had backed any governorship hopeful, describing the claims as rumours. Adelabu said the monarch remains a father to all sons and daughters of Ibadan regardless of political leaning and should not be dragged into partisan struggles.

The former minister spoke amid growing political talks around the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, where interest among aspirants has continued to rise. His comments came after recent reports suggesting some aspirants were already enjoying the support of major political and traditional figures.

Adelabu, who recently stepped down as Minister of Power to pursue his governorship ambition, also used the opportunity to seek support for his bid. He said his ambition is driven by a desire to serve the people of Oyo State and not for personal gain.

He promised that if elected governor, his administration would focus on the welfare of ordinary people, including women, youths, the poor, and other residents across the state. He said governance under him would be inclusive and aimed at improving lives.

His remarks are expected to shape conversations within the APC in Oyo as consultations and political alignments continue ahead of the 2027 election.