A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu and the Olubadan of Ibadanland have endorsed any candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Adelabu made the clarification on Thursday while speaking to party members and supporters in Ibadan after returning from Abuja. He insisted that no aspirant has been anointed or given preferential backing.
According to him, claims that President Bola Tinubu had endorsed a “consensus candidate” are false and should be disregarded by party members.
“President Tinubu has not endorsed any consensus candidate. The governorship contest remains open to all interested aspirants,” he said.
He further noted that the President, Bola Tinubu, is focused on national responsibilities across all states, local governments, and wards, and would not single out any individual in a state contest.
“Asiwaju is the President of Nigeria, overseeing 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He is the President of 774 local governments and nearly 3,000 wards. He will not endorse or show special interest in anyone,” Adelabu added.
The APC aspirant also revealed that Tinubu advised party stakeholders to either reach a consensus among themselves or proceed to a direct primary election if agreement is not possible.
“He said we should meet as a party and reach consensus among ourselves with key stakeholders on the ground. If that fails, we go for a direct primary,” he stated.
Addressing rumours that the Olubadan of Ibadanland had endorsed a candidate, Adelabu described the claims as baseless, stressing that the traditional ruler remains neutral.
“The Olubadan endorsement story is a rumour. I don’t believe it. The Olubadan is the father of all, regardless of political or social affiliation,” he said, referring to the revered monarch, Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Adelabu, a former Minister of Power, recently resigned his ministerial position to concentrate fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
He also promised an inclusive administration if elected, emphasizing that his focus would go beyond party lines.
“My ambition is not about personal gain or APC members alone, but the general welfare of the people,” he said.
“My administration will prioritize the poor, women, youths, indigenes, and all residents of Oyo State.”
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