The immediate past Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the fiercest political contests in the South-West ahead of the next general election.
Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and one-time APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, announced his decision in an official invitation circulated to party leaders, political associates, stakeholders and members of the public across the state.
According to the invitation, the formal declaration ceremony is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Bowl of Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, where thousands of supporters and APC loyalists are expected to gather for the highly anticipated event.
The former minister described the declaration as the beginning of a renewed political movement aimed at restoring what he called “true progressive governance” in Oyo State under the APC.
Adelabu stated that his decision to return to the governorship race was driven by his desire to reposition the state for accelerated economic growth, improved infrastructure, youth empowerment and enhanced social welfare.
In his message ahead of the declaration, he reflected on his previous governorship contest in 2019, when he emerged as the APC candidate and mounted a strong challenge in the election.
He recalled that despite what he termed difficult political circumstances at the time, he came close to victory and succeeded in building a formidable political structure across the state.
The former minister noted that the experience gained from that election, coupled with his years in public service and national leadership, had further strengthened his preparedness to govern the state.
Adelabu said he was returning to the race with “renewed strength, deeper experience and greater determination” to serve the people and provide purposeful leadership capable of transforming Oyo State into a leading economic and industrial hub.
Political observers believe the formal declaration marks the commencement of intense political activities within the Oyo APC as aspirants begin consultations and mobilization ahead of the party’s primary election.
Supporters of Adelabu have continued to project him as a technocrat with extensive experience in governance, finance and public administration, citing his background in the banking sector and his tenure as Minister of Power.
During his time at the Ministry of Power, Adelabu championed several reforms targeted at improving electricity generation, transmission and distribution across the country, while also advocating increased investment in renewable energy and power infrastructure.
His allies argue that the administrative and managerial experience acquired at the federal level places him in a strong position to tackle developmental challenges facing Oyo State.
The declaration is also expected to reignite political calculations among APC leaders in the state, many of whom have been engaged in consultations over the party’s strategy to reclaim power in 2027.
The opposition APC has repeatedly insisted that it remains determined to return to government after losing the state to the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 governorship election.
Adelabu’s supporters believe his early declaration would help consolidate party structures, strengthen grassroots mobilization and unite stakeholders ahead of the electoral battle.
Political analysts say the choice of Liberty Stadium for the declaration underscores the significance attached to the event and the expected large turnout from across the state’s 33 local government areas.
Already, banners, posters and mobilisation campaigns have begun appearing in parts of Ibadan and other major towns in the state ahead of the official launch of Adelabu’s governorship ambition.
Several APC chieftains and youth groups have also reportedly expressed support for his aspiration, describing him as a tested administrator with the capacity to reposition the state economically.
The former minister, however, called on party faithful and residents of the state to join what he described as a collective movement for development, unity and progress.
He stressed that the 2027 election would present another opportunity for the people to choose a government committed to transparency, accountability and sustainable development.
Adelabu further assured supporters that his campaign would focus on issue-based politics and practical solutions aimed at improving the living conditions of residents across the state.
With the formal declaration now imminent, political activities in Oyo State are expected to intensify in the coming months as aspirants across political parties begin preparations for the crucial 2027 governorship contest.
