Oyo 2027: Five Political Mistakes Critics Say Could Cost Adelabu the APC Governorship Ticket
As political calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship race in continue to gather momentum, conversations within the have increasingly focused on the perceived strategic errors allegedly made by Nigeria’s Minister of Power, .
Adelabu, a former governorship candidate and one of the most prominent political figures from Ibadan, remains a strong contender in the evolving battle for the APC structure in Oyo State. However, many party loyalists and political observers argue that despite occupying a powerful ministerial office under President , the minister may have failed to fully maximize the political opportunities that came with the position.
Several critics within the party have highlighted five major political mistakes they believe weakened Adelabu’s influence within the APC ahead of the governorship permutations.
The first allegation centers on party structure and internal control. Critics argue that despite knowing he had future governorship ambitions, Adelabu allegedly failed to consolidate influence within the APC during critical congresses and internal party reorganizations. In Nigerian politics, control of party structures is often considered more important than popularity, especially during delegate-based primaries. Political stakeholders insist that allowing other blocs to dominate local party leadership may have reduced his leverage ahead of future contests.
Secondly, critics point to his perceived absence during the coronation activities surrounding the emergence of the new . In Oyo politics, traditional institutions continue to play symbolic and strategic roles in elite political alignment. Some party members believe Adelabu should have visibly identified with the historic occasion, particularly as an Ibadan political heavyweight and serving federal minister. According to these critics, his absence created a vacuum that rival political interests allegedly exploited.
The third criticism revolves around grassroots intervention projects. Political observers argue that federal appointments in Nigeria often come with expectations of constituency visibility through empowerment initiatives, infrastructure support, or community-based interventions. Critics claim that even modest interventions — such as transformer distributions, rural electrification support, or visible empowerment schemes across local governments in Oyo State — could have strengthened Adelabu’s grassroots acceptance and reinforced loyalty among party supporters.
Another issue repeatedly raised by party insiders is the alleged failure to adequately manage relationships with APC leaders and stakeholders across the state. Oyo APC politics has historically been driven by consultations, negotiations, and constant engagement with influential blocs. Analysts say many successful politicians in Nigeria sustain their relevance not only through public office but also through regular political patronage and relationship-building within the party hierarchy.
The fifth accusation is that Adelabu allegedly failed to assume a broader leadership role capable of unifying different APC tendencies in the state. Some stakeholders believe his ministerial office presented an opportunity to emerge as the natural rallying point for the opposition party in Oyo State, particularly at a time when the APC continues to battle internal divisions.
Many analysts have compared the situation to the late , whose political influence extended beyond public office due to his strong control of party structure and grassroots networks. Others have also referenced the political style of , who has remained highly influential within national politics through aggressive grassroots engagement and strategic political relationship management.
Supporters of the minister, however, argue that it may be too early to write off Adelabu’s chances. They maintain that his current focus remains on addressing Nigeria’s power sector challenges, one of the most difficult portfolios in the federal cabinet. They also insist that political alignments ahead of 2027 are still fluid and could change significantly before the APC eventually decides its governorship flagbearer.
Meanwhile, some APC members have dismissed claims that the Olubadan alone could determine the party’s governorship candidate. According to them, any perceived endorsement of figures like would likely have emerged from broader consultations among influential APC leaders and stakeholders before gaining traditional backing.
As political maneuvering intensifies across Oyo State, one thing remains clear: the battle for the APC governorship ticket is gradually taking shape, and every political move — or missed opportunity — is already being carefully scrutinized by party loyalists and observers alike.
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