Adebayo Adelabu has dismissed claims that APC has settled on a governorship candidate in Oyo State, insisting the party has not made any official announcement
Former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has dismissed reports claiming that the All Progressives Congress has adopted Senator Sarafadeen Alli as its governorship candidate in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general election.
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Adelabu, who was a leading aspirant in the party’s recently concluded primary, insisted that no candidate has been officially announced by the national leadership of the APC.
The clarification follows reports suggesting that Oyo APC chairman Moses Adeyemo had declared Alli as the party’s flagbearer after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.
Other reports had also claimed that a consensus arrangement had been reached within the party structure in the state.
However, Adelabu warned party members against accepting any list of candidates being circulated through unofficial channels, stressing that only the party’s national headquarters has the authority to make such declarations.
“At this crucial stage, no one should allow himself or herself to be misled by rumours,” Adelabu said.
He described the circulating reports as premature and capable of creating confusion among party faithful and influencing internal consultations.
The former minister cautioned that such developments could deepen internal divisions and weaken the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Adelabu also expressed concern over reports of defections by aggrieved members, describing the trend as dangerous for party unity and electoral strength.
He urged members of the APC in Oyo State to remain calm and await an official pronouncement from the party’s national leadership in Abuja.
According to him, only the national body can validate any list of candidates emerging from the primaries or consultations.
He further appealed for restraint among party stakeholders, warning against inflammatory statements that could worsen internal tensions.
Adelabu resigned as Minister of Power on April 30, 2026, to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State under the APC platform.
Also read: Fayose Accuses Oyo Govt Over Tinubu Blackmail Claim
The dispute highlights growing uncertainty within the party’s Oyo structure as stakeholders await final clarity on its 2027 governorship direction.
