The political calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State appear to be gathering momentum, and every meeting involving prominent political figures is increasingly attracting public attention.
In what could be interpreted as another move within the unfolding political realignments in the state, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch A. Adedeji, paid a courtesy visit to former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, popularly associated with the nickname Penkelemesi, at his residence this evening.
According to information accompanying the visit, the meeting provided both distinguished personalities an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange perspectives on matters of mutual interest, particularly the progress, development and future of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Although the visit was officially described as a courtesy engagement, its timing has naturally generated political curiosity, especially considering the ongoing efforts to consolidate support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The political atmosphere in Oyo APC has been particularly interesting in recent weeks. Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli has emerged as the party's governorship candidate, while several influential stakeholders have been involved in reconciliation efforts aimed at presenting a united front.
On November 5, 2026, reports by The PUNCH indicated that Adelabu attended a stakeholders' meeting convened by former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin in Ibadan. The meeting reportedly focused on President Bola Tinubu's re-election, Alli's governorship ambition and the reconciliation of aggrieved party members following the party's primaries.
Similarly, another high-profile meeting involving Adelabu, Folarin, former Oyo State First Lady Florence Ajimobi and other party stakeholders was reported on November 6, further highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the next electoral contest.
Against this background, Adedeji's visit to Adelabu is bound to attract interpretations beyond the usual courtesy-visit narrative.
Adelabu remains an influential political figure in Oyo State, and his political standing makes his relationship with other major stakeholders particularly significant as the APC prepares for the 2027 contest.
However, it is important to distinguish between a courtesy visit and an actual political endorsement. Neither the visit itself nor the description of their discussions establishes that Adelabu has made a fresh declaration of support for Senator Alli.
Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the bigger political picture.
With the various reconciliation meetings, consultations and engagements taking place, the message from within the APC appears clear: the party wants its influential figures on the same page before the electoral battle begins.
But the question remains: Must Penkelemesi be persuaded at every opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to the emerging political arrangement?
They sha want Penkele to support Alli and Adedeji. Na by force?
In politics, reconciliation is important, but genuine unity is best achieved through mutual respect, trust and the freedom of every stakeholder to make political decisions without unnecessary pressure.
For now, the visit has added another interesting chapter to the unfolding political drama in Oyo State.
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