A former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, on Tuesday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, unveiling what he described as an “Oyo Rebirth Agenda” aimed at repositioning the state for economic growth and development.
Speaking in Ibadan during his declaration, Adelabu pledged to revive the state’s economy, create jobs, and deliver people-focused governance if elected governor.
The former minister said his ambition represented the beginning of a movement to “restore, rebuild, reposition, and reclaim” Oyo State for genuine progress and prosperity.
According to him, the proposed “Oyo Rebirth Agenda” would prioritise effective local government administration and grassroots development, improved security architecture, public safety, and an agricultural revolution.
He added that the blueprint would also focus on social welfare, education reform, healthcare transformation, urban renewal, civil service reforms, and women empowerment.
“I am contesting because governance must go beyond rhetoric; it must produce measurable development,” Adelabu said.
“I am contesting because I believe that for a better Oyo State, capacity matters, competence matters, character matters, compassion matters, and courage matters.
“I stand before you today with humility and a profound sense of duty to formally declare my intention to contest for the office of governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general election under the banner of the APC.”
Adelabu also urged members of the APC in the state to remain united ahead of the election, stressing that party cohesion would be crucial to securing victory in 2027.
“This project is bigger than one man. It is a collective mission. We must unite, we must close ranks,” he said.
“We must prioritise party supremacy, discipline, and shared victory over individual ambition.
“There is no progress without unity. There is no victory without solidarity. I call on all APC leaders, aspirants, stakeholders, and members: let us work together, let us build together, and let us win together.”
The former APC governorship candidate said he was presenting himself not as a perfect man, but as a prepared and committed leader ready to serve the people of Oyo State.
“Not merely as a politician, but as a servant. Not merely as an aspirant, but as a committed progressive determined to deliver results,” he added.
The event featured goodwill messages from party leaders, stakeholders, and support groups across different levels of government, as well as the formal unveiling of the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda.”
