IBADAN — Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the race for the 2027 Oyo State governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing his bid for the party’s nomination to an end.


Adelabu announced his decision in a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026, saying he would not pursue an internal appeal or legal action against the outcome of the party’s governorship primary.


He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with APC leaders, loyalists and supporters across the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards.


However, the former minister stressed that his decision to withdraw should not be interpreted as an endorsement or acceptance of the process that produced the party’s candidate.


Adelabu raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the primary, particularly the alleged failure to formally and transparently announce the votes recorded at the ward and local government levels before the candidate’s name was uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.


He said his decision was not borne out of a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction, but rather a deliberate choice to avoid prolonged internal disputes and legal battles.


Describing his governorship ambition as “not a do-or-die affair,” Adelabu called on the APC leadership to address the grievances arising from the nomination process and work towards reconciliation ahead of the 2027 general elections.


He urged party leaders and stakeholders to prioritise unity and ensure that outstanding concerns within the party are properly addressed.


Adelabu’s withdrawal effectively ends his bid for the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State, while Senator Sharafadeen Alli remains the party’s candidate following the nomination process.


The development comes as the APC continues efforts to consolidate its position in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, amid concerns raised by some aspirants over the conduct and outcome of the party’s primary.