Adelabu Declares Oyo Guber Bid, Pledges Development-focused Agenda

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has declared his intention to contest the gubernatorial election in Oyo State, with a promise to promised to implement projects and policies aimed at improving the living conditions of the people of the state.

Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, who said he will contest on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, declared his intention on Tuesday at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

The event was attended by prominent members and leaders of the party, including Chief Kunle Sanda, Chief Isiaka Alimi and Chief Wale Sanusi, among others.

Adelabu while addressing the gathering noted that he joined the race because he believes that the state deserves more dividends of democracy.

He said, “Firstly, I want to thank Almighty Allah. We started this journey in 2019 and I believe 2027 will be our own time. We thank our past leaders, former governors of Oyo State who have passed away. I want to thank all the leaders here.

“This declaration message goes beyond declaration. It is the summary of Adebayo Adelabu’s manifesto. Today is a day to reclaim Oyo State to genuine progress.

“I stand before you with humility to declare my intention to contest for the gubernatorial election on the platform of our great party, APC, in 2027.

“I want to appreciate the President and Commander-in-chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Thank you for the renewed hope.

“Why am I contesting again? It is because I believe Oyo State deserves more. Oyo State deserves security and stability because governance goes beyond rethorics.

“I am contesting because I know that I have the experience and exposure to build a greater Oyo State that is economically advanced. ”

Reflecting on the 2019 election, he said, “In 2019, you believed in me. You stood with me. You fought gallantly. Though victory was denied through an unusual alliance of opposition interests, your faith never wavered. That election was not a defeat of vision; it was a delay in destiny.”

Explaining his renewed bid, Adelabu said Oyo State needed stronger leadership and economic transformation.

“I am contesting again because I believe Oyo State deserves more. Oyo State deserves visionary leadership. Oyo State deserves competent governance. Oyo State deserves economic transformation. Oyo State deserves security and stability. Oyo State deserves prosperity that reaches every home.

“Governance must go beyond rhetoric. I have the experience, exposure, competence, administrative capacity and tested leadership required to move Oyo State from potential to prosperity,” he said.

Adelabu unveiled a comprehensive development blueprint tagged the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda,” which focuses on economic growth, security, social welfare, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and governance reforms.

On job creation, he said, “We will build a productive economy that creates sustainable jobs, empowers entrepreneurship and delivers prosperity to every household.

“Our government will not merely promise jobs; we will deliberately create opportunities that restore dignity, income and hope.”

On security, Adelabu said, “No society can prosper without peace and security. My administration will prioritise a modern, intelligence-driven, community-based security system that protects lives, property and investments.”

The former minister promised to strengthen local government administration, expand social welfare for vulnerable groups and drive agricultural development.

“Oyo State must become Nigeria’s food basket,” he said, adding that his administration would prioritise mechanised farming, agro-processing zones and youth participation in agriculture.

He also pledged major investments in education and healthcare, saying: “Education will be our greatest investment,” and “Health is wealth.”

Calling for unity within the APC, Adelabu said; “This project is bigger than one man. It is a collective mission. We must unite. We must close ranks. We must prioritise party supremacy, discipline and shared victory over individual ambition.”

He appealed for support ahead of the 2027 election.

“I offer myself not as a perfect man, but as a prepared leader. Not merely as a politician, but as a servant. Not merely as an aspirant, but as a committed progressive determined to deliver results,” he said.