KEY POINTS
- Adebayo Adelabu has withdrawn his challenge to the APC governorship nomination in Oyo State.
- He insists the withdrawal is not an acceptance of the alleged irregularities or lack of evidence.
- Adelabu has urged the APC national leadership to urgently reconcile aggrieved members and address concerns over the nomination process.
Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the internal and legal contest over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adelabu announced his decision in a personally signed statement titled, “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice.”
He said the decision followed extensive consultations with APC leaders, supporters and other stakeholders across the state.
However, Adelabu made it clear that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the party’s nomination process or an acceptance of what he considers to be irregularities and injustice surrounding the governorship primary.
Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Primary
According to Adelabu, he returned to Oyo State after a short vacation abroad and met with party leaders and supporters to assess the outcome of the governorship primary as well as the nominations for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.
He said a major concern raised during the consultations was the failure of the party to publicly announce and make available verifiable results from the various nomination exercises.
Adelabu said this had created doubts among party members about the transparency, credibility and integrity of the process.
He further stated that stakeholders had access to documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence which, in their view, raised serious questions about aspects of the exercise and its eventual outcomes.
Despite the concerns, Adelabu said he had decided not to pursue an internal appeal within the APC or commence legal proceedings over the primary at this time.
He stressed that the decision was not a result of insufficient evidence or a lack of confidence in the position taken by himself and his supporters.
According to him, stepping away from the dispute was also not an admission of defeat or surrender.
Adelabu said his decision was motivated by the need to prevent further escalation of the dispute and protect the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.