Tinubu has not endorsed any gov candidate in Oyo — Adelabu

In Nigeria's vibrant political landscape, where endorsements and political maneuvering are as common as the daily sun, a significant clarification has emerged from former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. Addressing claims that President Bola Tinubu has already settled on a consensus candidate for the Oyo State governorship in the upcoming 2027 elections, Adelabu has firmly refuted these assertions, stating unequivocally that such claims are "lies."

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Mr. President remains the leader of our party, and his opinion on who flies the party’s flag must be given due consideration.

Adelabu, speaking in the Yoruba language, detailed a personal meeting with President Tinubu where the president allegedly gave his blessing for Adelabu's gubernatorial ambition. He recounted Tinubu's words, emphasizing that the president acknowledged his long-held aspiration and would not hinder it, while also outlining a process for potential consensus or direct primaries. This direct account from Adelabu, who insists on the veracity of his conversation with the president, directly challenges the narrative pushed by some party leaders who had claimed a presidential endorsement for Senator Sharafadeen Alli.

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Before I resigned, I said, I need to see the person who appointed me for a face-to-face conversation. That was why I delayed my resignation to have time to see him (Tinubu).

The crux of the matter lies in the differing interpretations and claims surrounding presidential backing. For many in Oyo State, and indeed across Nigeria, the president's word carries immense weight. Adelabu's public rebuttal, therefore, is not just a personal political statement but a significant intervention in the state's political discourse. It highlights the importance of direct communication and the potential for misinformation to spread within political circles, especially when ambitions run high ahead of elections. The situation underscores the dynamic and often contentious nature of political endorsements in Nigeria, where clarity from the top is crucial for party unity and electoral strategy.

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Bayo, it is time. We have been on this ambition for a very long time. It is a long-time ambition of yours. As much as I want you to be around me, I won’t hinder your ambition. Go and resign to start work’