News reports that Adelabu made the disclosure on Sunday while speaking to his supporters.

He described himself as the only “true son” of Tinubu in Oyo State and said the President also pledged to encourage a consensus arrangement for the governorship race.

Adelabu, however, clarified that Tinubu has not officially backed any particular aspirant.

He said, “INEC said it’s March 31. I travelled then and the person that appointed me, I would see him before resigning, and that was why I delayed it, to create time to see him (Tinubu).”

“He also gave the opportunity for Sakotun and Sakosi to create an opportunity to see him, and that was why I saw the President last week. We can’t lie against the President in public; it’s not possible, he will hear.”

“Tinubu said, ‘Bayo, the time has come, we had an agreement, you have been on this for long, this young ambition of yours. In as much as I love to have you around me, I will not stop you from pursuing your ambition; resign as Minister and go start work immediately.’ By God’s grace, that is what Tinubu told me.”

Adelabu added that the President gave him the go-ahead to join the Oyo governorship race and promised to support a consensus process, but has not yet endorsed any candidate.

“He said if a consensus fails, he will call for a direct primary. Make no mistake: I am the only true ‘son of Asiwaju’ in Oyo State,” he said.

News reports that the endorsement was announced on Sunday during a press briefing held in Ilorin, the state capital.

The elders explained that their decision followed a thorough review of aspirants vying for the governorship ticket, stating that Bolarinwa emerged as the most suitable due to his experience, integrity, and leadership capacity.

Speaking on behalf of the group, former APC legal adviser, Ladi Mustapha, said Bolarinwa possesses the intellectual strength and administrative experience needed to tackle insecurity, strengthen education, and boost socio-economic development in Kwara State.

He described the aspirant as a well-regarded politician known for honesty, sincerity, and commitment to public welfare.

Mustapha said, “At this critical juncture in Kwara’s political evolution, we firmly believe that leadership must be entrusted to an individual with proven integrity, experience, capacity, and a unifying disposition.”

He added that after careful evaluation, Bolarinwa clearly stood out among other contenders for the governorship position.

According to him, Bolarinwa’s conduct in both public and private life reflects discipline, transparency, and responsibility—qualities he said are essential for effective governance.

Mustapha also noted that Bolarinwa’s political journey spans over two decades, during which he has held various positions including councillor, local government chairman in Lagos State, and member of the House of Representatives.

He further recalled his role as APC chairman in Kwara State in 2018, describing it as evidence of his leadership strength and organisational ability.

The APC elders also highlighted Bolarinwa’s unifying influence across ethnic, religious, and political lines within the state.

They said he has built strong relationships with traditional rulers, youths, professionals, and grassroots communities, making him well-positioned to promote peace and inclusive governance.

Mustapha added that Bolarinwa’s involvement in political mobilisation over the years demonstrates his deep understanding of Kwara’s political structure and his capacity to lead effectively.

He further described him as a God-fearing leader who views public office as a platform for service, rooted in justice, compassion, and development-oriented leadership.

“Kwara deserves a leader who is tested, trusted, and connected to the people,” Mustapha said, expressing confidence that Bolarinwa’s leadership would bring unity and sustainable development.

Responding to questions, former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Raphael Adetiba, said the APC operates on internal democracy and structure, where competence remains the key factor in leadership selection.

He stressed that while every qualified citizen has the right to contest, emphasis should be placed on capacity and the ability to deliver results.

Adetiba reaffirmed that APC stakeholders remain committed to unity and ensuring the emergence of a candidate capable of sustaining peace, progress, and development in Kwara State.

The response came from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused Obi of inconsistency and political opportunism.

In a post shared via his handle on Sunday, Onanuga said the former Anambra State governor’s latest political decision confirmed earlier criticisms from the Presidency.

Naija News reports that Obi had earlier announced his departure from the ADC in a statement on Sunday, where he described the political environment as hostile and discouraging.

He explained that his decision was not based on personal disagreements with party leaders such as David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, but rather on internal disputes and ongoing legal challenges within the party.

Obi also compared the situation to challenges he previously faced in the Labour Party, stressing that his approach to leadership has always been service-driven and not about personal ambition.

He further insisted that his exit was not motivated by a desire for power but by concern for governance issues affecting Nigerians.

Reacting, Onanuga described Obi as a “political nomad,” accusing him of constantly switching platforms ahead of elections.

He said, “We told you so. The political nomad is on the move again. Ignore all those puerile reasons he gave in these illogical musings, a self-serving letter to his mob.”

The presidential aide dismissed Obi’s explanation for leaving the ADC, claiming it was tailored to appeal to his supporters.

Onanuga also alleged that Obi left the ADC because he could not secure the party’s presidential ticket against strong contenders such as Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi.

According to him, “Peter Obi is a politician made of jelly, an opportunistic fellow. He can’t fight Atiku or Amaechi for the ticket of ADC.”

He argued that Obi’s decision to move to another party was driven by convenience rather than political strength.

Onanuga further claimed that such a move would not guarantee electoral success in 2027, adding that Obi’s strategy mirrors what happened during the 2023 elections.

He stated, “He pursues the easy road, that will only lead him to doom, like in 2023.”

The presidential aide also accused Obi of consistently blaming the government without reflecting on his own political decisions.

He said, “He always blames the government without doing a soul-searching of himself.”

The reaction comes amid ongoing political realignments as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and emerged as a major opposition figure, is expected to remain a key player in the unfolding political landscape.

Onanuga concluded his remarks by saying, “Welcome, Peter to the 2027 race.”