Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu, has opened up on why he decided not to challenge the outcome of the party’s primary in court or through an internal appeal.
Adelabu, in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, said his decision was motivated by the need to preserve peace, unity and stability within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as an admission that he lacked evidence or conviction to contest the process, insisting that his ambition to govern Oyo State had never been a “do-or-die” affair.
According to him, the decision followed consultations with party leaders as well as representatives of his supporters across the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards.
“I have decided, in the interest of peace, party stability and the larger future of the APC in the state, not to further escalate the matter through avenues that may deepen existing divisions and undermine the cohesion of our great party,” Adelabu said.
The former minister’s decision comes amid growing discontent within the Oyo APC over the emergence of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election..
Adelabu said he had therefore resolved, as a loyal APC member, not to pursue an appeal within the party or commence legal proceedings “at this time.”
He, however, maintained that there were substantial grounds for questioning the conduct and outcome of the primary.
The former minister cited the recent admission by the APC National Chairman during his visit to Oyo State that there were errors, unfairness and injustice in aspects of the primary process.
Adelabu argued that while an acknowledgement or apology was important, it should not replace corrective measures where grievances could still be addressed.
He further alleged that many APC members who had invested years, resources and political capital in building the party now felt betrayed by the nomination process.
According to him, concerns extend beyond the governorship ticket to senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly nominations.
He claimed that names of selected candidates were uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s electronic portal without the actual results of the primaries being transparently published.
Adelabu said authenticated collation documents, documentary materials and video evidence were available which, in his view, raised serious questions about aspects of the nomination process and its eventual outcomes.
He consequently called on the APC national leadership to urgently commence a comprehensive reconciliation process involving all affected aspirants and stakeholders.
The former minister further warned that the party could not secure electoral victory merely by uploading candidates’ names to an electronic platform, stressing that grassroots members would be crucial to the APC’s performance in 2027.
“Elections are won through the trust, enthusiasm, commitment and active participation of party members and supporters, particularly at the grassroots,” he said.
Adelabu also appealed to the party leadership to engage members who feel “wounded, betrayed or alienated” through concrete actions capable of restoring confidence and trust.
Despite the setback, he said his desire to govern Oyo State remained rooted in his commitment to the development and prosperity of the state.
He added that his political ambition remained subject to divine timing, expressing confidence that the setback would not permanently prevent him from serving the people.
“While recent developments may have delayed the realisation of this aspiration, I remain firmly convinced that what may be delayed by human actions cannot be denied by Almighty God. God’s time, indeed, remains the best,” Adelabu said.
