The political future of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu within the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has been thrown into uncertainty following the endorsement of Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus governorship candidate by key stakeholders.
Party leaders in the state reportedly reached the decision after a series of high-level consultations aimed at presenting a united front ahead of the next gubernatorial election.
Adelabu, the immediate past minister of power, is one of the hopefuls eyeing the Oyo APC ticket to contest the 2027 governorship election.
Adelabu recently resigned as the minister of power to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo state.
However, the decision to endorse Alli was taken on Friday at a meeting held at the Samonda area of Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
The meeting was attended by several APC stakeholders, including Ayo Adeseun, a former senator; Fatai Ibikunle, director of the South West Development Commission; Akin Oke, a former Oyo APC chairman; and Akin Olajide, a former secretary to the state government (SSG).
Speaking at the event, Adeseun said the meeting was convened to affirm Alli as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.
The former senator said the decision to back Alli as the consensus candidate followed extensive consultations and meetings with President Bola Tinubu.
Adeseun said he had met with Tinubu in Abuja, noting that the president has given his backing to Alli’s candidacy.
He added that the opinion of the president, as the leader of the party, holds weight and should be respected by party members.
“Mr. President remains the leader of our party, and his opinion on who flies the party’s flag must be given due consideration,” Adeseun said.
Also speaking, Ibikunle said he had discussions with Tinubu concerning Alli’s candidacy, adding that the president endorsed the senator.
He called on other hopefuls within the APC to align with the decision, noting that the party needs unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding, Alli appreciated the leaders and members of the APC in the state for the show of support and pledged an inclusive government if elected.
