A former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Tuesday declared his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Adelabu’s official declaration, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, was attended by several party chieftains, supporters, religious groups and professional associations.

In his speech, Mr Adelabu described the gathering as a defining moment to reclaim the state from the incumbent administration and reposition it for progress, prosperity and people-centred governance.

“Today is not just another political gathering. Today is a defining moment. Today is a day of renewed hope. Today is a day of purpose. Today is a day when we gather not merely to make a declaration, but to begin a movement to restore, rebuild, reposition, and reclaim Oyo State for genuine progress, prosperity and people-centered governance,” Mr Adelabu said. 

“I stand before you today with humility, gratitude to Almighty God, and a profound sense of duty to formally declare my intention to contest for the Office of the Governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections under the banner of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.

The former minister said he was determined to become the next governor of the state, despite his failed 2019 governorship bid, which he recalled was thwarted by “an unusual alliance of opposition interests.”

Mr Adelabu said his ambition was driven by the desire to provide visionary leadership and a governance style that would foster economic transformation and prosperity in the state.

“I am contesting because I have the experience, exposure, competence, administrative capacity, and tested leadership required to move Oyo State from potential to prosperity.

“I am contesting because I believe that for a better Oyo State, capacity matters, competence matters, character matters, compassion matters and courage matters,” he stated.

The politician noted that if given the opportunity to lead, he would build a productive economy that would create sustainable jobs, promote entrepreneurship and deliver prosperity to every resident.

Mr Adelabu promised that his administration would “create industrial and agro-processing hubs across all geopolitical zones; launch a one million jobs initiative through agriculture, technology, construction and manufacturing; support start-ups and small businesses with grants, cooperative financing and low-interest loans.

On security, Mr Adelabu said he would establish a modern, intelligence-driven and community-based security architecture to protect lives, property and investments across the state.

He also called on members and leaders of the APC in Oyo State to embrace unity, uphold party supremacy and discipline, as well as prioritise collective success over individual ambitions.

Mr Adelabu said, “There is no progress without unity. There is no victory without solidarity. I call on all APC leaders, aspirants, stakeholders and members, let us work together. Let us build together. Let us win together.”