Politics in has never pretended to be gentle. It is loud, layered, and—on most days—runs on equal parts loyalty, ambition, and the quiet roar of influence. But as 2027 inches closer, the unfolding contest between and is shaping into something more dramatic: a full-blown test of power, patience, and political memory.
At the heart of this unfolding story is one stubborn question: What exactly is Adelabu still looking for in Oyo governance?
Adelabu’s political journey is no secret. In 2019, he famously walked away from a high-profile role at the under —a move many described as bold, others as premature. The mission was clear: governorship or nothing. But in Oyo politics, “nothing” rarely stays nothing for long.
Back then, the late was said to have leaned toward another technocrat, . Then came the familiar Nigerian political twist—power blocs shifted, influence recalibrated, and the unmistakable shadow of entered the scene. The ticket changed hands, and Adelabu emerged.
But not without consequences.
In that same political season, , a long-standing APC loyalist, exited to the to pursue his own ambition. It was the first sign that Oyo APC was not one house—but many rooms with locked doors.
Fast forward to 2023, and the APC in Oyo found itself navigating without two of its biggest anchors—Ajimobi and —both late, both deeply influential. The structure, on paper, leaned toward Adelabu. In reality, it fractured.
The national dynamics didn’t help. As Tinubu battled internal party resistance ahead of his presidential victory, his influence—once decisive—faced calculated limitations. In Oyo, that vacuum was quickly occupied by , whose camp included Alli and several strategic players.
The result? A complicated chessboard that ultimately benefited , who cruised to re-election while APC wrestled itself.
Even within victory at the federal level, the cracks showed. Folarin, despite carrying the APC gubernatorial flag, found himself politically isolated post-election—an outcome many interpreted as a quiet signal from the presidency.
Now, the pendulum appears to have swung again.
All eyes turned to Alli—long seen as a loyalist of —whose political roots run deep in Oyo’s traditional and grassroots structures. Reports suggest Ladoja himself played a role in positioning Alli before the presidency as a consensus option.
At the same time, Adelabu’s performance as Minister of Power became a subject of quiet concern in . With Tinubu publicly tying his legacy to improved electricity supply, every shadow in the power sector reflects upward.
Then came the political blow that echoed loudly: Adelabu’s inability to deliver a key by-election victory in Ibadan. Party insiders didn’t whisper about it—they said it plainly. Leadership, they argued, was tested and found wanting.
Governor Makinde added fuel to the fire during a media chat in Ibadan, bluntly stating he had warned the president about Adelabu’s capacity to manage APC in Oyo. The irony? A PDP governor advising on APC strategy—and sounding vindicated.
Yet, just when it seemed Alli had secured a smooth runway, politics did what it does best—it twisted again.
Enter the elder statesmen: and . Their visit to Adelabu in Ibadan wasn’t just courtesy—it was strategy. Behind the scenes, conversations shifted. Calculations were redrawn.
Suddenly, Adelabu was no longer on the outside looking in. The same presidency that reportedly resisted his resignation began to reconsider his political weight. The same party that seemed to be leaning toward consensus began preparing for a direct primary.
And just like that, certainty disappeared.
Meanwhile, Alli made his move publicly—declaring his ambition in a well-attended rally at Yemetu, surrounded by party faithful and notable figures. The symbolism was clear: structure, support, and visibility.
But politics is not always about who shows up—it’s also about who stays away.
The absence of key figures like Folarin, , and Adelabu himself spoke volumes without saying a word.
Now, Oyo APC stands at a crossroads. A party once searching for direction is now spoilt for contenders—but divided in conviction.
So the question lingers, louder than ever:
Is Adelabu driven by unfinished business—or an unrelenting ambition that refuses to accept political timing?
And in a state where loyalty, legacy, and leverage collide daily, will Alli’s perceived endorsement hold—or will Adelabu’s persistence rewrite the script one more time?
One thing is certain: in Oyo politics, nothing stays settled for long.
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