Adelabu Best Choice For Oyo Governor In 2027, Says Aide

As preparations for the 2027 general election heat up, Bolaji Tunji, an aide to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has declared his principal the best qualified candidate for the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tunji’s statement is in direct response to Barrister Bayo Shittu, the former Minister of Communications, who expressed concerns about the APC’s political strategy and potential challenges if Chief Adelabu is elected as the party’s flagbearer.

While acknowledging Barrister Shittu’s concerns, Tunji strongly refuted the notion that Adelabu’s candidature would harm the party. “Chief Adelabu is not merely a ‘imposed’ candidate; he is a visionary leader whose brilliance, achievements, and pedigree make him a standout choice in any election,” Tunji stated.

Tunji, who previously served as Special Adviser, Strategic Communications, and Media Relations to the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, praised Adelabu’s performance as Minister of Power and emphasised his commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s energy sector.

He cited Adelabu’s efforts to improve grid stability, expand renewable energy investments, and increase transparency.

“Under Adelabu’s leadership as Minister, Nigeria achieved a historical milestone of 6003 megawatts of available generation in less than two years, whereas it took more than 40 years from 2000 megawatts in the 1980s to an average of 4000 megawatts in 2021. The Minister also achieved a record evacuation of 5801 megawatts, Tunji stated, adding,

All of this has demonstrated that Adelabu will perform admirably as Oyo State governor.”

Tunji also cited Adelabu’s 2019 gubernatorial campaign, regardless of its outcome, as evidence of his commitment to public service and understanding of the people’s needs, particularly in terms of infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment.

Tunji turned his attention to Barrister Shittu, downplaying the former Minister’s influence.

“As for Barrister Shittu, while I respect him as an elder, his background qualifies him as a serial aspirant who would even compete against a member of his own family.

As a result, nothing he says should be taken too seriously. His recent electoral performance does not suggest that he is a grassroots candidate.”

He also cited the late Governor Ajimobi’s 2019 critique of Shittu’s gubernatorial aspirations, claiming Shittu lacked the necessary qualities for the position.

Tunji emphasised Chief Adelabu’s political heritage, noting that his grandfather, Adegoke Adelabu, was a prominent nationalist and politician.

Tunji argued that his heritage, combined with his professional accomplishments, uniquely qualifies him to understand the demands of leadership and progress in Oyo State.

Tunji, however,argued that Adelabu’s candidature would be a “celebration of merit” within the APC. “Rather than inviting trouble, the party would gain a candidate whose credentials inspire confidence and whose vision corresponds to the needs of a dynamic electorate.

“Adelabu’s brilliance and integrity are exactly what Nigeria requires to navigate the future,” he stated.

The statement is likely to spark further debate within the Oyo State APC as the party prepares for the 2027 elections, positioning Chief Adelabu as a leading candidate for governorship.