2027: Tinubu, Olubadan not backing any aspirant, says Adelabu

The Punch Newspaper, Nigeria

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President Tinubu has not endorsed any consensus candidate, and the gubernatorial contest is open to whoever is interested.

As the political landscape in Oyo State begins to stir with aspirations for the 2027 governorship race, the clarification from former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, is timely. His assertion that President Bola Tinubu remains neutral and has not endorsed any aspirant is crucial for ensuring a fair and democratic process within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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He (Tinubu) said we should all go and meet as a party, reach consensus among ourselves as a party with critical stakeholders on the ground, and if it’s not possible for us to reach consensus, then we go for a direct primary

Adelabu's emphasis on President Tinubu's role as the leader of the entire nation, overseeing 36 states and numerous local governments, correctly frames the President's position. Tinubu's directive for party stakeholders to either achieve consensus or conduct primaries reflects a commitment to internal party democracy, allowing all interested individuals a chance to compete.

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On Olubadan endorsing an aspirant, I take the report as a rumour, and I don’t believe in it. Olubadan is the father of all, irrespective of status or political affiliations

Furthermore, Adelabu's dismissal of rumors regarding the Olubadan of Ibadanland endorsing a candidate is equally important. The Olubadan, as a revered father figure to all, should remain above partisan politics. His neutrality is essential for maintaining peace and unity within the state. Adelabu's own ambition, presented as a bid for inclusive governance benefiting the entire populace rather than just party members, sets a positive tone for his campaign.

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My ambition to become governor of Oyo in 2027 is not to enrich myself, favour or benefit APC members, but the generality of the populace.