By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The ambition of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to contest the Oyo State governorship election in 2027 appears to have suffered a significant setback, as influential power brokers within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly settled for serving Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the preferred candidate.
Credible reports indicate that key stakeholders in Southwest APC politics have thrown their weight behind Alli, citing concerns over Adelabu’s perceived controversies, electability, and divisive tendencies within the party.
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A high-level stakeholders’ meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his private residence in Lagos on Monday, March 23, 2026, is said to have sealed the decision. The meeting was attended by prominent APC figures including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other stakeholders from Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos three Southwest states scheduled to hold governorship elections in 2027.
Sources close to the meeting revealed that Adelabu’s performance as Minister of Power was also a major factor that diminished his chances. The minister had openly declared his gubernatorial ambition shortly after his appointment in 2023 and had been consulting across Oyo State local government areas, repeatedly affirming that “it is his turn” to occupy the governorship seat.
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In contrast, Senator Alli, a 63-year-old trained lawyer and low-profile politician, is said to enjoy the confidence of party leaders due to his calm disposition, administrative experience, and reputation for working quietly behind the scenes. He currently chairs the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions. He previously served as Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Chief of Staff to the governor.
APC’s Consensus Preference The APC leadership has consistently signalled a preference for adopting consensus arrangements in selecting candidates for elective positions ahead of the 2027 polls, a strategy aimed at reducing internal rancour and presenting a united front.
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Meanwhile, reports from the Lagos meeting suggest that Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat is being considered for the Lagos governorship ticket, while Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) is the preferred choice for the Ogun State ticket.
Adelabu Yet to React As of the time of filing this report, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has not issued any official reaction to the reported decision by the party stakeholders.
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The development is expected to reshape the political landscape in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Adelabu’s camp likely to weigh their options in the coming weeks.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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