In what many political observers have sarcastically described as “a governorship declaration powered by stage performance and rented solidarity,” the declaration event of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium has continued to stir reactions across Oyo State political circles.
The event, which recorded a massive turnout, has divided opinions within the ruling All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, especially as many party stakeholders questioned whether the gathering reflected genuine political strength or simply the influence of celebrity entertainment and financial mobilisation.
According to conversations among party loyalists and observers at the venue, the strategy behind the large turnout appeared straightforward: if major power blocs and influential party structures were not fully aligned, then the next best option was to “manufacture momentum” through entertainment and crowd mobilisation.
From the heavy presence of Fuji star Pasuma, alongside artistes like Qdot and other crowd-pulling performers, critics insist the gathering looked more like a high-budget music festival than a serious political declaration.
Several attendees openly admitted they were more interested in seeing the musicians than listening to political speeches.
“Na Pasuma most people come see,” one attendee joked loudly outside the stadium.
Another added sarcastically: “Who be Penkele wey go pull this kind crowd without artistes? Abeg shift.”
Beyond the music and fanfare, some political analysts also questioned the relevance of certain groups invited to speak at the event, including religious bodies, church associations, and alumni groups such as the Lagelu Grammar School Old Students Association.
To critics within the APC, the optics suggested an attempt to create the impression of overwhelming popularity, even if such support may not directly translate into votes during the party’s expected direct primary election process.
Unlike the declaration event of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, which reportedly attracted serving political office holders, influential APC leaders, and established party stakeholders from across Oyo State, Adelabu’s outing was viewed by some insiders as lacking deep-rooted party structure backing.
One recurring observation was the noticeable absence of former Oyo governorship candidate Teslim Folarin, a development that has intensified speculation about unresolved internal divisions within the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While some supporters argued that Folarin’s absence may be linked to ongoing consultations and political realignments reportedly influenced by Abuja power dynamics, others interpreted it as a silent message regarding unresolved grievances within the party.
Insiders at the sidelines of the event also claimed that mobilisation funds were allegedly distributed directly to ward representatives and canvassers tasked with bringing people to the stadium. Some ward members were overheard saying they attended primarily because of the financial incentives provided.
In today’s Nigerian political reality, large crowds no longer automatically translate to electoral loyalty. Political observers note that many Nigerians now attend rallies, campaigns, and declarations mainly for economic survival, transportation allowances, or entertainment value, especially in a difficult economy.
As one observer bluntly put it:
“People collect politicians’ money for rallies and still vote differently when the real election comes.”
Another sarcastic comment making rounds online read:
“Different categories of people dey there: No. 1 — hungry people wey collect ₦5,000. No. 2 — PASO fans wey wan enjoy show. No. 3 — same faces wey attend every declaration in Ibadan.”
Despite the criticisms, supporters of Adelabu maintain that the event still demonstrated significant grassroots momentum and public visibility ahead of the 2027 race. They argue that regardless of who attended for music, logistics, or politics, the sheer crowd size confirms that Adelabu remains a major political force within Oyo APC.
However, many party elders are warning that crowd optics alone will not deliver victory if the APC fails to resolve its lingering internal crises.
Several stakeholders have advised party leaders to urgently reconcile aggrieved factions and strengthen internal unity before the governorship primaries, warning that a divided APC could once again hand advantage to the opposition, similar to what happened during the 2019 and 2023 elections in Oyo State.
For now, one thing remains clear: the battle for Oyo 2027 has unofficially begun — and if this declaration is anything to go by, the drama, sarcasm, music, and political warfare are only just getting started.
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