A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, have endorsed any candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Adelabu made the clarification on Thursday while addressing party members and supporters in Ibadan, shortly after returning from Abuja.
The former Minister of Power described reports suggesting that Tinubu had backed a particular aspirant as false, urging party faithful to disregard such claims.
“President Tinubu has not endorsed any consensus candidate, and the gubernatorial contest is open to whoever is interested,” he said.
Highlighting the President’s national responsibilities, Adelabu added, “Asiwaju is the President of Nigeria, overseeing 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He is the President of 774 Local Governments. He is the President of almost 3,000 wards. So, he will not endorse or have a special interest in anyone.”
Adelabu further revealed that Tinubu had advised party stakeholders to either agree on a consensus candidate or proceed with primaries.
Tinubu Told Us To Go And Meet As A Party
“He (Tinubu) said we should all go and meet as a party, reach consensus among ourselves as a party with critical stakeholders on the ground, and if it’s not possible for us to reach consensus, then we go for a direct primary,” he stated.
On claims that the Olubadan had endorsed a candidate, Adelabu dismissed the reports as unfounded.
“On Olubadan endorsing an aspirant, I take the report as a rumour, and I don’t believe in it. Olubadan is the father of all, irrespective of status or political affiliations,” he said.
NewsWatch Nigeria recalls that Adelabu recently stepped down from his position as Minister of Power to focus on his governorship ambition.
Speaking on his plans, the aspirant pledged to run an inclusive administration that prioritises the welfare of all residents if elected.
“My ambition to become governor of Oyo in 2027 is not to enrich myself, favour or benefit APC members, but the generality of the populace,” he said.
He added, “My administration will be for the mass-oriented, including the poor, less privileged, women, youths, indigenes and residents of the state at large.”
