A former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), unveiling an ambitious development blueprint he described as the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda.”
Adelabu made the declaration on Tuesday in Ibadan, where he pledged to reposition the state’s economy, create jobs, and deliver what he described as people-focused governance if elected.
The former minister said his declaration marked the beginning of a broader political movement aimed at restoring and repositioning Oyo State for sustainable development and prosperity.
According to him, the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda” is built around key policy areas including effective local government administration, grassroots development, improved security architecture, agricultural transformation, education reform, healthcare development, urban renewal, civil service restructuring, and women empowerment.
He stressed that governance must move beyond promises to producing measurable outcomes that directly impact the lives of citizens.
“I am contesting because governance must go beyond rhetoric; it must produce measurable development.
“I am contesting because I believe that for a better Oyo State, capacity matters, competence matters, character matters, compassion matters, and courage matters.
“I stand before you today with humility 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 the APC,” he said.
Adelabu also used the occasion to call for unity within the Oyo State chapter of the APC, insisting that internal cohesion would be crucial for the party’s chances of reclaiming power in the state.
He urged party leaders, aspirants, and stakeholders to set aside personal interests and work collectively toward electoral victory.
“This project is bigger than one man. It is a collective mission. We must unite, we must close ranks.
“We must prioritise party supremacy, discipline, and shared victory over individual ambition.
“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,” he said.
The former APC governorship candidate described himself as a prepared leader committed to service and results-driven governance.
“Not merely as a politician, but as a servant. Not merely as an aspirant, but as a committed progressive determined to deliver results,” he added.
The declaration event attracted goodwill messages from several support groups and party chieftains across different levels of government, while the formal unveiling of the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda” served as the highlight of the gathering.
Adelabu’s entry into the governorship race is expected to intensify political activity within the APC as preparations gradually build toward the 2027 elections.
What You Should Know
Chief Adebayo Adelabu has officially joined the 2027 Oyo governorship race under the APC, presenting his “Oyo Rebirth Agenda” as a comprehensive plan for economic growth, job creation, and institutional reforms.
His declaration signals the start of intensified political competition within the party ahead of its primary election. Beyond his policy promises, Adelabu’s strongest message focused on party unity, urging APC stakeholders to close ranks and avoid internal divisions.
His emergence adds momentum to early campaign conversations in Oyo State, where political actors are already positioning for what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship election.
