Bayo Adelabu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor of Oyo State, has refuted allegations that Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and President Bola Tinubu had backed any candidate in advance of the 2027 governorship election.
Shortly after returning from Abuja, Adelabu clarified the situation on Thursday when speaking to party members and supporters in Ibadan.
The former Minister of Power urged party members to reject rumors that Tinubu had supported a certain candidate, calling them untrue.
“The gubernatorial contest is open to anyone who is interested, and President Tinubu has not endorsed any consensus candidate,” he declared.
Adelabu went on to highlight the President’s national duties, saying, “Asiwaju is the President of Nigeria, overseeing 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.” 774 local governments have him as their president. He is in charge of about 3,000 wards. He will therefore not support or have a particular interest in anyone.
Adelabu further disclosed that Tinubu had counseled party members to either move on with primaries or reach a consensus on a candidate.
Tinubu instructed us to gather as a party.
He said, “He (Tinubu) said we should all go and meet as a party, reach consensus among ourselves as a party with critical stakeholders on the ground, and if we can’t reach consensus, we go for a direct primary.”
Adelabu rejected reports that the Olubadan had supported a certain candidate.
“I consider the report about Olubadan supporting a candidate to be a rumor, and I don’t think it’s true.” He declared, “Olubadan is the father of all, regardless of status or political affiliations.”
Adelabu recently resigned as Minister of Power to concentrate on his aspirations to become governor, according to Naija News.
Speaking about his objectives, the candidate promised that, if elected, he will lead an inclusive government that puts the wellbeing of all citizens first.
“I want to become governor of Oyo in 2027 for the benefit of the general public, not to enrich myself or favor or benefit APC members,” he stated.
“My administration will be for the mass-oriented, including the poor, less privileged, women, youths, indigenous people, and residents of the state at large,” he continued.
