Adelabu, ex-power minister, declares for Oyo governorship race

Adebayo Adelabu, the immediate past Minister of Power, on Tuesday, formally declared his bid to contest the 2027 Oyo State Governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adelabu, who made the declaration at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, which drew party leaders, elected officials and supporters from across the State, also unveiled a comprehensive development blueprint titled the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda,” expected to focus on economic growth, security, social welfare, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and governance reforms.

A former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and seasoned politician, noted that he joined the race because he :believes that the State deserves more dividends of democracy.”

While pledging to implement projects and policies aimed at improving the living conditions of the people of the State, he stated that “I am contesting again because I believe Oyo State deserves more. Oyo State deserves visionary leadership. Oyo State deserves competent governance. Oyo State deserves economic transformation. Oyo State deserves security and stability. Oyo State deserves prosperity that reaches every home.

“Governance must go beyond rhetoric. I have the experience, exposure, competence, administrative capacity and tested leadership required to move Oyo State from potential to prosperity.”

Expantiating on his agenda, he promised to build a productive economy that creates sustainable jobs, empowers entrepreneurship and delivers prosperity to every household.

“Our government will not merely promise jobs; we will deliberately create opportunities that restore dignity, income and hope.”, he noted.

Adelabu also said “my administration will prioritise a modern, intelligence-driven, community-based security system that protects lives, property and investments stressing that “no society can prosper without peace and security.”

The former power minister also pledged major investments in education and healthcare, saying: “Education will be our greatest investment,” and “Health is wealth.

“We will likewise strengthen local government administration, expand social welfare for vulnerable groups and drive agricultural development.

“Oyo State must become Nigeria’s food basket, my administration will prioritise mechanised farming, agro-processing zones and youth participation in agriculture.”

While appealing for support ahead of the 2027 election, he however called for unity within the APC and other stakeholders.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders at all levels for their support, saying “I appreciate our national leader and President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and commitment to progressive governance in Nigeria.”