A storm is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, as a group known as the Progressives Forum for Good Governance has vehemently opposed the alleged adoption of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 election. This development has sparked intense debate within the party, with many questioning the wisdom of adopting a candidate with a questionable track record.
In a strongly worded statement, the group’s Coordinator, Mr. Bolade Adeyemi, warned that Adelabu’s candidacy would be a “bad product” for the party to sell. Adeyemi cited Adelabu’s lack of electoral success in the state, despite being imposed as the party’s candidate in 2019. He also criticized Adelabu’s decision to abandon the party after losing the election, allowing a rival faction to take control.
The group further accused Adelabu of being a non-committed party member, who jumped ship to another party after losing the gubernatorial ticket in 2023. They also reminded Adelabu of his past criticism of the APC during a radio program in 2023, where he declared that the party could not win the election. This criticism has been seen as a major blunder, and many are questioning Adelabu’s loyalty to the party.
Adeyemi emphasized that Adelabu’s candidacy would be a contradiction, given his past statements and actions. The group urged the party leadership not to make the mistake of putting Adelabu forward as the gubernatorial candidate in 2027.
The group clarified that Adebayo Adelabu has never won an election for the APC in Oyo State. Despite being imposed as the party’s candidate in 2019, he lost the gubernatorial election to a supposed underdog. He also abandoned the party after losing the 2019 gubernatorial election, allowing a rival faction to take control. This move has been seen as a betrayal by many party members. Mr Bayo jumped ship to another party after losing the gubernatorial ticket in 2023. This move has raised questions about his loyalty to the APC.
Finally, on different occasions, Adebayo Adelabu criticized the APC during a radio program in 2023, declaring that the party could not win the election. This criticism has been seen as a major blunder, and many are questioning Adelabu’s loyalty to the party.
The group’s statement concluded by advising the party leadership to look elsewhere for a candidate, emphasizing that Adelabu is not the best that Ibadan can offer in 2027. With the party’s reputation on the line, it remains to be seen whether the leadership will heed this warning or continue to back Adelabu’s candidacy.
