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Nigeria’s Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, urging party leaders to address grievances over its nomination process.
Adelabu announced his decision in a statement personally signed and issued Thursday, following consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders across the state.
However, he stressed that his withdrawal does not mean he accepts the outcome of the party’s primary or endorses what he described as injustice in the process.
In the statement titled, “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice,” Adelabu said stakeholders raised concerns over the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results from the nomination exercises.
“We agreed that the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results has understandably generated serious concerns about the transparency, credibility and integrity of the nomination process,” he said.
He added that documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence available to stakeholders raised questions about aspects of the process and its outcome.
“We also affirmed that substantial documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence exist which, in our considered view, raise serious questions about aspects of the process and the eventual outcomes,” Adelabu said.
Despite the concerns, Adelabu said he would not pursue an internal appeal or legal action over the primary at this time.
“However, I informed the meeting that, after extensive consultations and careful consideration, I have decided, as a loyal and committed member of the All Progressives Congress, not to pursue an appeal within the party or institute legal proceedings over the process at this time,” he said.
He stressed that the decision was not due to a lack of evidence or conviction.
“This decision is not because of a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction,” Adelabu said.
The former minister also rejected suggestions that his withdrawal amounted to surrender or that his ambition to govern Oyo State was a do-or-die affair.
“Neither should it be interpreted as an act of surrender or an indication that my aspiration to serve as Governor of Oyo State is a do-or-die affair,” he said.
Adelabu said he chose peace and party unity over further escalation of the dispute, saying prolonged legal or internal battles could deepen divisions within the APC.
He also called on the party’s national leadership to urgently begin reconciliation efforts for members affected by the nomination process.
“We therefore urge the National Leadership of the APC to urgently initiate a comprehensive, sincere and credible reconciliation process that covers all categories of nominations and genuinely engages all affected stakeholders,” he said.
Adelabu recalled that APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda acknowledged problems surrounding the Oyo primary during his recent visit to the state.
According to Adelabu, Yilwatda acknowledged “errors, unfairness and injustice” linked to aspects of the exercise.
He said members who feel betrayed or excluded should be engaged through concrete actions, not appeals alone.
“Members who feel wounded, betrayed or alienated must be deliberately engaged and reassured, not merely through appeals, but through concrete actions that demonstrate that their loyalty, sacrifices and contributions still matter,” Adelabu said.
The former minister said he remained committed to the APC and public service, adding that withdrawing from the contest would not end his political aspirations.
He urged his supporters to accept the development with restraint and maturity, while calling for unity within the party before the 2027 elections.
