Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu, says he will not challenge the outcome of the party’s governorship primary in court, despite alleged irregularities in the exercise.
Adelabu, in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, said his decision was aimed at preserving peace, unity and stability within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that his decision not to appeal the outcome internally or pursue legal action was not due to a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction.
The APC aspirant said the decision followed consultations with party leaders, loyalists and supporters drawn from the 33 Local Government Areas and 351 wards across the state.
Some APC governorship aspirants had rejected the emergence of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s candidate, alleging that the nomination was imposed on them.
Adelabu said he had decided, as a loyal party member, not to escalate the disagreement through legal or internal processes at this stage.
“This decision is not because of a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction. Neither should it be interpreted as an act of surrender or an indication that my aspiration to serve as Governor of Oyo State is a do-or-die affair,” he said.
He said the party’s National Chairman had during a recent visit to Oyo acknowledged errors, unfairness and injustice in aspects of the primary process.
Adelabu, however, argued that acknowledging the problems was not enough if there was still an opportunity to correct them.
He said many party members had invested considerable time, resources and political capital in building the APC but now felt that their contributions and preferences had been disregarded.
According to him, concerns over the primary were not limited to the governorship contest but extended to senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly nominations.
He alleged that candidates were uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) electronic portal without the transparent publication of the results on which their nominations were based.
Adelabu said documentary evidence, authenticated collation records and video materials were available to support some of the grievances raised by party members.
He consequently called on the APC national leadership to begin an urgent and comprehensive reconciliation process involving all affected stakeholders.
The former minister warned that electoral victory could not be achieved simply by uploading candidates’ names or announcing nominees, stressing that grassroots support and the confidence of party members remained critical.
“Elections are won through the trust, enthusiasm, commitment and active participation of party members and supporters, particularly at the grassroots,” he said.
Adelabu said his ambition to govern Oyo State was motivated by a desire to contribute to the development and prosperity of the state rather than personal ambition.
He added that he remained grateful for his opportunities to serve in both the private and public sectors.
“My aspiration to serve as Governor of Oyo State has never been, and will never be, a do-or-die project,” Adelabu said.
He expressed faith that, despite the setbacks surrounding the APC primary, his political ambition could still be realised if it was in accordance with God’s will and timing.
