Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to impose him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for Oyo State in the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Ibadan over the weekend while hosting APC ward chairmen, leaders, and executives from Ibadan South East Local Government at his Iyaganku residence, Adelabu stressed that the APC will conduct a free and fair primary when the time comes.
“The President oversees 36 states and the FCT. It’s unreasonable to assume he would impose a governor on any state,” Adelabu said. “As a democrat, he believes in open competition, which brings out the best in people.”
He affirmed his readiness to participate in a transparent primary, noting that internal democracy and reconciliation after the primaries are vital to party unity.
“I’m prepared for a healthy contest — one that doesn’t breed hatred or division. After the primaries, those who don’t win should still be carried along through appointments or nominations. Nobody should leave empty-handed,” he said.
According to Adelabu, President Tinubu will never encourage disunity within the party ranks. “Even if he prefers an aspirant, he would express it as a voter — not as an imposer,” he said.
He added that the President’s advice to him has always been to return home, connect with the grassroots, and earn his support.
“I’ve already started the work. If I eventually emerge as the party’s candidate, it will be clear that I earned it,” Adelabu noted.
He described Tinubu as a leader who respects the will of the people and does not support top-down impositions. “The era of imposing candidates is over. It leads to failure. The people want aspirants who emerge through fair competition,” he said.
Reflecting on his 2019 experience, Adelabu recalled that he won the APC ticket through a highly competitive primary. “I wasn’t imposed. I earned it through hard work, and I plan to do the same again.”
