Fresh political conversations are emerging within the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State following strong remarks by Honorable Simon Ochete, leader of the Igede Community in Oyo State, who has openly declared that Chief Adebayo Adelabu remains the party’s strongest hope ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Ochete, a known loyal supporter of the Minister of Power, insisted that even if Adelabu is eventually not announced as the APC governorship candidate, the former governorship flagbearer has already made a significant political impact capable of shaking the foundation of the party’s internal leadership structure.
According to him, the influence currently enjoyed by Adelabu within the party did not emerge from control of the party machinery or the backing of powerful political leaders, but from deliberate grassroots mobilization, consistent engagement with ordinary members, and growing public acceptance across different communities in the state.
“Even if Adelabu is not announced as the APC candidate, he has made a mark and shaken the party leadership to its core,” Ochete stated.
The community leader explained that despite operating without the full support of the established leadership structure within the APC, visible political developments and grassroots reactions continue to show that Adelabu commands a large and passionate support base within and outside the party.
He noted that many of the available indicators from local political activities, stakeholder interactions, and mobilization exercises point to the growing strength of Adelabu’s camp. According to him, the results may still appear limited on the surface, but they reveal the effectiveness of the grassroots strategy being pursued by the minister’s loyalists across Oyo State.
Political observers have continued to identify Chief Adelabu as one of the most recognizable figures within the Oyo APC since the 2023 governorship election, where he contested against incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde under the APC platform. Though the ruling People's Democratic Party retained power in that election, Adelabu maintained strong support in several parts of the state and has remained politically relevant following his appointment as Minister of Power by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ochete further argued that Adelabu possesses something many politicians struggle to achieve — a loyal and emotionally connected support base. According to him, the minister has built a network of committed followers and admirers, including dedicated supporters already embedded within the APC structure itself.
“He got a lot of diehard followers and fans even within the APC structure,” he said.
The Igede community leader maintained that the growing support around Adelabu is evidence that many party members and grassroots voters see him as the preferred aspirant among those currently being linked with the 2027 governorship contest.
He stressed that among all the aspirants being discussed within APC circles, Adelabu appears to be the only politician capable of giving the ruling PDP a serious electoral challenge in Oyo State.
According to Ochete, many supporters now regard Adelabu as a symbol of possible victory for the opposition party, especially at a time when APC members are searching for a candidate with broad appeal, name recognition, and grassroots acceptance.
“Adelabu is our symbol of victory,” he declared.
In one of his strongest remarks yet, Ochete also reiterated his long-held position that the APC may struggle significantly in Oyo State without Adelabu’s participation and support.
“I have once stated that without Adelabu there will be no vote or winning for APC in Oyo, and I still stand by it,” he added.
His comments are likely to intensify ongoing political discussions within the APC as different camps continue consultations and strategic alignments ahead of the next election cycle. Although the governorship contest is still some distance away, early political maneuvering has already begun across Oyo State, with party loyalists closely watching the influence and acceptance of major political figures.
For many supporters of Chief Adelabu, the argument is no longer only about securing the APC ticket, but about identifying the candidate they believe has the political strength, grassroots appeal, and statewide visibility capable of challenging the dominance of the PDP government in Oyo State.
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