The political atmosphere in Oyo State is gradually gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections following the formal declaration of Immediate Past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to contest the governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In what observers describe as an early move to consolidate political structures within the opposition party in the state, Adelabu announced that his official declaration would hold on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Main Bowl of Liberty Stadium by 10:00 a.m.
The declaration, according to invitations circulated to party leaders, stakeholders and members of the public, is expected to formally launch a renewed political campaign aimed at returning the APC to power in the state after years in opposition.
For many within the party, Adelabu’s return to the governorship race signals unfinished political business. The former governorship candidate, who flew the APC flag during the fiercely contested 2019 election, recalled his narrow defeat and described the experience as one shaped by difficult political realities at the time.
However, he maintained that the setback neither diminished his commitment to public service nor weakened his political ambition. Instead, he said the intervening years had equipped him with broader administrative exposure, deeper political understanding and stronger resolve to lead the state.
Speaking ahead of the declaration, Adelabu said he was returning to the contest with “renewed strength, deeper experience and greater determination” to reposition Oyo State through purposeful governance and progressive leadership.
Political analysts believe his previous experience as Minister of Power may become one of the major pillars of his campaign narrative, especially in a period when voters are increasingly placing emphasis on administrative competence and governance experience.
Adelabu expressed confidence that the APC could reclaim the state in 2027 if party members remain united and committed to a common political objective. He stressed that the project to retake power would require collective sacrifice, loyalty and grassroots mobilisation across all zones of the state.
According to him, his aspiration is driven by a vision to build a more prosperous and competitive Oyo State anchored on “proven capacity, passion, competence and experience.”
The forthcoming declaration ceremony is already attracting attention within political circles across the South-West, with indications that prominent APC chieftains, traditional rulers, youth groups, political associates and supporters from different parts of the state are expected to attend.
Beyond the symbolism of the event, the gathering is also likely to serve as an early test of Adelabu’s political reach and acceptance within the party’s evolving power structure ahead of what promises to be another highly competitive governorship contest in the state.
As preparations intensify for the public declaration in Ibadan, political observers say the race for the Oyo governorship may have effectively begun, with Adelabu positioning himself once again at the centre of the conversation on the future political leadership of the state.
