The former Minister of Power and a key contender in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has reiterated that the party has not officially named its flagbearer for the 2027 election. Speaking in a statement released on Monday, Adelabu appealed to party supporters to stay patient and await the national leadership’s formal announcement regarding the primary results.
He cautioned against unverified reports of a consensus candidate, emphasizing that no individual or group at the state level has the authority to declare the final outcome. Adelabu specifically warned about lists circulating on social media, urging members to treat such information with skepticism until the national headquarters makes an official statement.
According to DAILY POST, Adelabu resigned as Minister of Power on April 30, 2026, to contest the primary alongside eight others. Widely circulated reports had indicated that Senator Sarafadeen Alli emerged victorious and was the party’s consensus choice. Furthermore, the state APC chairman, Moses Adeyemo, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos over the weekend, also proclaimed Alli as the candidate.
However, Adelabu insisted that these claims are premature. He stressed that only the national party leadership can confirm the candidate, describing any contrary assertions as efforts to mislead the public and disrupt internal party deliberations. He called for adherence to principles of fairness and internal democracy.
“At this crucial stage, no one should allow himself or herself to be misled by rumours, propaganda or premature victory claims designed to manipulate public perception, create confusion among party faithful and influence ongoing consultations within the party. Such actions are neither helpful to the party nor consistent with the principles of fairness, discipline and internal democracy that should guide our conduct as loyal APC members,” Adelabu stated.
He further advised that any purported list of candidates being circulated through unofficial channels should be treated with caution until the national leadership makes its official pronouncement.