By Ayodele Oni
The coast seems clear now for an early resolution of the internal crisis which trailed the All Progressives Congress APC governorship primary in Oyo state, as one of the aggrieved aspirants is dangling the olive branch.
Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship contest in Oyo State for the 2027 election, urging the party’s national leadership to reconcile members who are dissatisfied with its recent nomination process.
Adelabu announced the decision in a personally signed statement after consultations with APC leaders, supporters and other stakeholders across the state.
He insist that his withdrawal was not an endorsement of the outcome of the party’s governorship primary, which he said had raised concerns over the transparency and credibility of the process.
According to Adelabu, stakeholders he consulted were concerned that the results of the governorship primary and other nomination exercises had not been publicly declared and verified.
“We agreed that the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results has understandably generated serious concerns about the transparency, credibility and integrity of the nomination process.”
Adelabu also claimed that documentary materials, authenticated collation records and video evidence available to the stakeholders raised questions about parts of the nomination process and its outcome.
Despite the concerns, he agreed he would not appeal the process within the APC or commence legal proceedings at this time.
“However, I informed the meeting that, after extensive consultations and careful consideration, I have decided, as a loyal and committed member of the All Progressives Congress, not to pursue an appeal within the party or institute legal proceedings over the process at this time.”
The former minister pointed out that the decision was not due to a lack of evidence or confidence in his position.
He also rejected any suggestion that his withdrawal amounted to surrender or meant his ambition to govern Oyo State was a do-or-die affair.
Adelabu explained that he chose to withdraw in order to avoid further escalation of the dispute and protect the unity of the APC in the state.
He called on the APC national leadership to begin a reconciliation process involving members affected by the nomination exercises and address their grievances ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We therefore urge the National Leadership of the APC to urgently initiate a comprehensive, sincere and credible reconciliation process that covers all categories of nominations and genuinely engages all affected stakeholders,” Adelabu added.
He further urged the party to engage members who felt betrayed or excluded by the outcome, saying their concerns should be addressed through concrete measures rather than appeals alone.
Adelabu said his withdrawal would not affect his commitment to public service or his membership of the APC, adding that he has no plan to leave the party.
The former minister also urged his supporters and other APC members in Oyo State to accept the development calmly and avoid actions that could worsen divisions within the party.
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