The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has selected a consensus governorship candidate for Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adelabu’s reaction follows reports suggesting that party leaders had already agreed on preferred candidates in Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun states as part of early preparations for the next general elections.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu—who is also an aspirant in the Oyo governorship race—insisted that no such decision has been made.
“At a time like this, especially as the contest draws closer, speculation is expected. My principal has not withdrawn from the race. People will always push different narratives to gain attention or create confusion,” Tunji said.
He added that the APC operates within a structured system guided by due process, stressing that any eventual decision would follow laid-down procedures.
Despite Adelabu’s denial, party sources indicated that Senator Sharafadeen Alli has emerged as a key figure in ongoing consultations. Insiders say his broad acceptance across different factions has positioned him at the centre of discussions.
Alli’s experience as a former Secretary to the State Government and current senator is believed to have strengthened his standing among party stakeholders.
Sources also linked the development to a reported high-level meeting in Lagos involving President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other South-West APC leaders, where consensus arrangements for key states were discussed.
Within the Oyo APC, Alli is widely seen as a unifying figure capable of bridging internal divisions. A party source noted that he appears to be the most acceptable aspirant across factions, a factor considered crucial to boosting the party’s chances in the election.
Other aspirants, including Teslim Folarin, Abdulfatai Buhari, and Adelabu, remain influential within the party.
There are also indications that negotiations are ongoing to balance interests and maintain unity. One option under consideration is the possible allocation of the Oyo South senatorial ticket to Remi Oseni, a grassroots politician gaining support.
Sources further revealed that discussions around a potential one-term arrangement for a consensus candidate are being explored to address zoning and power rotation ahead of 2031.
The consensus approach is reportedly being considered beyond Oyo State. In Lagos, stakeholders are said to favour Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, while in Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola has emerged as a preferred choice.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the governorship elections for February 6, 2027, with party primaries expected to take place between April and May 2026.
Oyo APC stakeholders are expected to meet in Abuja in the coming days to continue consultations and possibly determine the process for selecting the party’s candidate.
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