Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu Refutes Reports of Withdrawal from 2027 Oyo State Gubernatorial Race

Aide to Minister Adebayo Adelabu dismisses reports of withdrawal from the 2027 Oyo State governorship race, citing continued support from APC leaders.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 6:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Denial of Forced Withdrawal from Gubernatorial Race

The political camp of Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has moved to silence rumors suggesting he was advised by the All Progressives Congress leadership to exit the 2027 Oyo State governorship contest. Femi Awogboro, an aide to the minister, characterized these reports as sponsored misinformation campaigns designed to undermine Adelabu's political standing. According to Awogboro, the narrative that the minister is being sidelined is a deliberate attempt by opponents to weaken his growing influence within the state's political hierarchy.

Support from South West Party Elder Statesmen

Specific claims regarding the involvement of former governors Adebisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba were explicitly denied by the minister’s representatives. Awogboro stated that both Akande and Osoba continue to serve as political mentors to Adelabu, maintaining their belief in his ability to uphold progressive ideals. Far from asking him to step down, the aide asserted that these senior figures have consistently encouraged the minister’s political career since his transition from the Central Bank of Nigeria to the public sector.

Absence of Strategic APC Leadership Meetings

The administration has debunked allegations that a high, level meeting took place in Lagos to discuss the impact of Adelabu’s ambition on party cohesion or President Bola Tinubu’s re, election prospects. Awogboro insisted that no such gathering of South West APC leaders occurred for the purpose of deliberating on Adelabu’s future. The camp maintains that his candidacy does not conflict with national party interests and that suggestions of a strategic rift are entirely unfounded fabrications.