As political momentum gradually builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially obtained his nomination form to contest the Oyo State governorship election—marking a decisive step in his renewed ambition to lead the state.
Adelabu’s move comes amid heightened political activity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where aspirants are positioning themselves ahead of the party’s primary elections. Reports indicate that the APC had earlier scheduled the sale of governorship nomination forms between late April and early May 2026, with the primary election expected to follow shortly after.
This latest development underscores Adelabu’s determination to remain a key contender in Oyo State’s political landscape. His decision to pick up the nomination form is widely seen as a formal declaration of intent, reinforcing earlier signals of his ambition to contest the governorship seat in 2027.
A Strategic Political Comeback
Adelabu’s re-entry into the governorship race is not entirely surprising. The Ibadan-born politician, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, had already made his ambition clear through consultations with political stakeholders and high-level engagements. Notably, he reportedly secured the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue his gubernatorial aspiration, a move that paved the way for his resignation from the Federal Executive Council.
His resignation—widely interpreted as a strategic political step—was also aligned with directives requiring political appointees to step down before participating in the 2027 elections.
Supporters and party loyalists have since intensified mobilization efforts, particularly in Ibadan, where Adelabu maintains strong political roots. His return to the state after stepping down from his ministerial role was met with visible enthusiasm among APC members and grassroots supporters.
Experience and Political Track Record
Adelabu brings a wealth of experience to the race. Before his ministerial appointment in 2023, he had served as Deputy Governor (Operations) at the Central Bank of Nigeria and had built a reputation in both public service and private enterprise.
Politically, this will not be his first attempt at the governorship. He contested under the APC in 2019 and later under the Accord Party in 2023 but was unsuccessful in both outings. Despite these setbacks, his persistence and continued visibility in Oyo politics have kept him relevant among party stakeholders and voters alike.
The Road to 2027
The 2027 Oyo State governorship election, scheduled for March 11, 2027, is expected to be highly competitive, especially as the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde, will not be eligible for re-election after completing his tenure.
With the race gradually opening up, Adelabu’s acquisition of the nomination form positions him as one of the early and serious contenders within the APC. His campaign is expected to focus on governance reforms, infrastructure development, and leveraging his experience in the power sector to address energy challenges—issues that remain critical to both Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Political Implications
Adelabu’s move could reshape the internal dynamics of the APC in Oyo State, where multiple aspirants are reportedly jostling for the party’s ticket. His established political structure, combined with national-level connections, may give him a strategic advantage as the primaries approach.
However, the road ahead is far from certain. Internal party negotiations, alliances, and voter sentiment will ultimately determine the outcome of the primaries and the general election.
Final Thoughts
By obtaining his nomination form, Adebayo Adelabu has moved beyond speculation into active participation, sending a clear message: the race for Oyo 2027 has truly begun. As political activities intensify, all eyes will remain on how the APC manages its internal contest and whether Adelabu can translate his experience and ambition into electoral success.
For now, one thing is certain—Oyo State’s political stage is set for a compelling and closely watched gubernatorial battle.
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