Former Governors Bisi Akande of Osun State and Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State have reportedly advised the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to reconsider his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections, urging him to prioritise the unity and broader interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to political sources, the intervention by the APC elder statesmen is part of efforts to manage emerging tensions within the party and prevent internal divisions ahead of the next general elections. It was gathered that Adelabu has been under increasing pressure to step aside from the race in order to support a more broadly acceptable consensus within the party structure.

There are also indications that the minister may be considering resignation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet to pursue his governorship ambition. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding such a move, even as speculation continues to intensify within political circles.

Adelabu, who previously contested the Oyo governorship election in 2019 under the APC and in 2023 under the Accord Party, has consistently expressed interest in returning to the race in 2027. Despite this, recent political developments suggest that other aspirants are gaining stronger backing within the party.

At a recent APC gathering in Ibadan, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South and believed to be a leading contender, reportedly enjoyed significant support from party stakeholders. The absence of Adelabu and other prominent figures at the event further fuelled speculation of internal divisions.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed political appointees with electoral ambitions to resign by March 31, 2026. Although Adelabu did not step down by the deadline, his political future remains a subject of discussion within party ranks.

A source familiar with the matter disclosed that APC South-West leaders recently held an interactive session with Adelabu in Lagos, where his ambition and its possible impact on party cohesion and Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid were discussed. The meeting was said to have been attended by Akande, Osoba, and other key party figures.

The source further revealed that the leaders appealed to the minister to align with party interests and support efforts aimed at strengthening unity ahead of the elections. It was also suggested that Adelabu appeared receptive to the advice, though no formal decision has been announced.

Despite the developments, close associates of the minister insist he remains committed to the APC and has not considered defecting to another political platform, maintaining that consultations are still ongoing regarding his next political move.