Bayo Adelabu Loses Out: Why Oyo APC Rejected Him
The race toward the next governorship election in Oyo State is already generating significant political tension, and at the center of the unfolding drama is the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. Once seen as the leading contender within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adelabu’s path to securing the party’s ticket is now facing serious internal resistance.
What initially appeared to be a smooth return to the governorship race for Adelabu has gradually turned into a contentious political battle, marked by dissatisfaction within party ranks, shifting loyalties, and the emergence of new preferred candidates.
Adelabu’s political profile remains formidable. As a former governorship candidate and now a serving minister, he entered the race with visibility, influence, and what many believed was an automatic advantage within the APC. His early moves to consult stakeholders and signal interest in the governorship reinforced the perception that he was the party’s frontrunner.
However, beneath that surface momentum, cracks within the party began to widen.
Within the Oyo APC, a growing number of stakeholders have reportedly expressed reservations about Adelabu’s candidacy. Central to these concerns is the perception of his leadership style. Party insiders have described him as distant from grassroots politics, arguing that he lacks the personal engagement and accessibility required to build strong political loyalty at the local level.
More damaging are claims that since assuming office as Minister of Power, Adelabu has not maintained strong ties with party members in the state. Several voices within the APC allege that he has been largely unsupportive of party structures and individuals who form the backbone of electoral mobilization. In a political environment where grassroots connection often determines electoral success, such perceptions can significantly weaken a candidate’s standing.
There are also criticisms bordering on personality some party members reportedly view him as arrogant and overly elitist, traits that have not helped his relationship with influential blocs within the party. While such assessments may be subjective, in politics, perception often carries as much weight as reality.
Amid these mounting pressures, Adelabu is also said to be making efforts to seek an audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a move seen as crucial to determining his next political step. However, those efforts have so far been unsuccessful, leaving uncertainty around whether he will eventually resign his ministerial position to fully pursue his governorship ambition.
These internal grievances have contributed to a quiet but strategic shift within the APC. Rather than rally behind Adelabu, key stakeholders are increasingly looking toward alternative figures who may present a more unifying and politically acceptable option.
One name gaining traction is Sharafadeen Alli, who is emerging as a favorite among certain party blocs. His appeal appears to lie in his perceived accessibility, political experience within the state, and ability to attract broader consensus across factions. For a party that has struggled with internal cohesion, the search for a less divisive candidate is becoming a priority.
The situation reflects a deeper and more persistent challenge within the Oyo APC internal division. Over the years, the party has been plagued by factional rivalries, leadership disputes, and competing ambitions among its key players. These issues have repeatedly undermined its electoral strength, even in situations where it appeared well-positioned to win.
The current developments surrounding Adelabu are, therefore, not isolated. They are part of a broader pattern in which internal disagreements shape candidate selection as much as, if not more than, public popularity or political credentials.
Despite the growing resistance, there is no clear indication that Adelabu is willing to step down from the race. His ambition remains intact, and his camp continues to project confidence in his chances. Yet, the unfolding dynamics suggest that securing the APC ticket will depend less on his personal determination and more on his ability to regain the trust of party stakeholders.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Adelabu’s candidacy underscores a critical reality: the battle for the Oyo governorship is already being fought within the APC long before it reaches the general electorate.
Whether Adelabu can rebuild his standing or is ultimately sidelined in favor of a more widely accepted candidate remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the outcome of this internal contest will play a decisive role in shaping the political future of Oyo State.
As the drama continues to unfold, the APC faces a defining moment one that will test its unity, strategic judgment, and readiness to present a formidable challenge in the election ahead.
For Sharafadeen Alli, whose profile continues to rise within the party, his political journey has been marked by consistent involvement in Oyo State politics and legislative experience at the national level. Seen by supporters as a bridge between party factions, his growing acceptance signals a possible shift in the APC’s strategy toward a candidate perceived as more grounded in local politics and capable of uniting diverse interests within the party.
