IBADAN — The political temperature in Oyo State reached a new high on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as the former Minister of Power and a leading governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebayo Adelabu, convened a high-stakes consultative meeting with party ward executives from across all 33 local government areas of the state. The gathering, held at the expansive Jogor Centre on Liberty Road, Ibadan, served as a strategic platform for Adelabu to solidify his base and emphasize the indispensable role of grassroots structures in his quest to reclaim the Agodi Government House in the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the sea of party executives, Adelabu articulated a vision centered on structural renewal and inclusive mobilization. He described the ward executives and the grassroots members they lead as the "pillars of the party," asserting that any attempt to rebuild the APC into a winning machine must begin with the empowerment of those at the community level. According to the former minister, meaningful development in Oyo State cannot be achieved through a top-down approach but must instead be rooted in the active participation of the people who feel the immediate impact of governance.
The consultative meeting follows a whirlwind of political activity for Adelabu, who recently resigned his cabinet position in the Federal Government to focus entirely on his gubernatorial aspirations. Just twenty-four hours prior to the Jogor Centre event, the former minister had visited the APC State Secretariat at Oke-Ado, Ibadan, where he met with the State Executive Council to formally declare his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election. During that high-profile visit, Adelabu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and expressed absolute confidence in his ability to secure the party’s ticket and ultimately defeat the incumbent administration.
A notable highlight of his declaration at the state secretariat was his firm rejection of any attempts to impose a consensus candidate on the party. Adelabu insisted on a fair and democratic primary process, arguing that the strength of the APC lies in the will of its members rather than the unilateral decisions of a few power brokers. This stance is particularly significant given the recent endorsements of Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, by certain segments of the party leadership as their preferred candidate for the 2027 race. Adelabu’s move to engage the ward executives directly is seen by analysts as a strategic "pincer movement" to bypass traditional power corridors and appeal directly to the delegates who will decide the primary’s outcome.
Speaking further to the ward leaders on Wednesday, Adelabu emphasized that they are the most vital link between the party’s policy-making organs and the voting public. He noted that their contributions to political mobilization are the lifeblood of the campaign. "Sustainable progress in this state must begin from the communities, where the real impact of governance is felt," he stated. "My vision for 2027 goes beyond winning an election; it focuses on inclusive development rooted in grassroots engagement. I cannot do it alone. I need your support in the fulfillment of my gubernatorial ambition. I will not disappoint you and the people of the state if elected governor in 2027."
Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, pledged to prioritize the welfare of party members and ensure they are actively involved in the decision-making processes of his potential administration. He promised to maintain a regular cadence of engagement with the ward executives, ensuring they are carried along in all party activities rather than being utilized only during election cycles. "Let me assure you that I will continue to engage you regularly. Your support will be central to my campaign and governance agenda," he added, striking a chord with the local leaders who often feel marginalized once a candidate secures office.
The event featured testimonials from several influential party leaders who signaled their readiness to back the former minister. Isiaka Alimi, an APC leader from Akinyele Local Government, praised Adelabu for his steadfastness and his decision to return home to build the party from the ground up. He urged residents of Oyo State and party faithful alike to recognize Adelabu’s commitment as a sign of his preparedness for the rigors of the governorship. Similarly, Wale Sanusi, a prominent party leader from Ibadan North Local Government, made an impassioned appeal for unity. He expressed confidence that Adelabu’s professional pedigree and his experience within the federal cabinet have equipped him with the necessary tools to transform the state’s economy and infrastructure.
The atmosphere at the Jogor Centre was one of palpable energy, as ward executives from the remote corners of Oke-Ogun and the bustling centers of Ogbomoso and Ibarapa converged to hear the aspirant's roadmap. For many in attendance, the meeting represented a departure from the usual political elitism, providing a rare opportunity to engage directly with a figure of Adelabu’s stature. The former minister used the occasion to call for absolute unity within the APC, warning that internal friction is the only obstacle that could hinder the party's victory in 2027. He stressed that effective mobilization at the ward level is the only antidote to the incumbent party's advantages.
As the race for the 2027 APC gubernatorial ticket intensifies, Adelabu’s "grassroots-first" strategy appears to be a direct response to the shifting political dynamics in Oyo State. By focusing on the 33 local government areas and their respective wards, he is building a network of loyalists who view him not just as a candidate, but as a partner in regional development. With the state secretariat already notified of his intentions and the ward structures now being activated, the battle for the soul of the Oyo APC has entered a critical new phase.
The former minister concluded the session by reiterating his commitment to the ideals of the party, urging the executives to take the message of a "Renewed Oyo" back to their various communities. As the delegates departed for their respective local governments, the consensus among observers was that Adelabu has successfully laid a formidable foundation for a campaign that promises to be both inclusive and intensely competitive.
Given the current endorsements of Senator Sharafadeen Alli by some party leaders, how do you think Chief Adelabu's strategy of bypassing the state-level power brokers to engage directly with ward executives will impact the internal cohesion of the Oyo APC as the primary season approaches?
