By By: Lawrence Oseghale and Aderohunmu Abdulrokeeb
Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Tuesday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, on Tuesday, May 12.
Adelabu, grandson of the late Adegoke Adelabu, popularly known as Penkelemesi, previously served as Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria and later as Minister of Power in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has also contested for the office of Governor of Oyo State twice.
Among dignitaries present at the declaration ceremony were Hon. Fabunmi Matthew, Architect Omoniyi, Saheed Balogun, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Chief Mrs Danjuma Odunayo, Oloye Labake Lawal, Baba S.A. Jimoh, Adeagbo Saheed, Hon. Mrs Yetunde Oyebode, alongside several political groups and social clubs.
The event featured entertainment performances by supporting artistes and goodwill messages from party stakeholders, who urged party members to support the aspiration.
While delivering his declaration speech, Adelabu appreciated party leaders and supporters who had remained loyal to him despite his previous attempts at the governorship seat in 2019 and 2023. He said the moment signified a renewed commitment to reposition Oyo State toward people-centered development.
” Today is a day when we gather not merely to make declaration, but to begin a movement- a movement to restore, rebuild, reposition and reclaim Oyo State for genuine progress,” He said
Adelabu stated that his decision to contest was driven by the belief that Oyo State deserved improved leadership, competent governance, economic transformation, enhanced security, stability, and prosperity for all residents.
He unveiled his development blueprint, tagged the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda,” with focus on economic revival, job creation, modern security architecture, local government development, social welfare, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, civil service reforms, as well as culture, tourism and heritage development.
He also called on party leaders and members to remain united in achieving the outlined vision, stressing that the mission required collective effort and solidarity.
“This project is bigger than one man, it is a collective mission” He added.
