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Tag: Oyo Gubernatorial election

  • Sharafadeen Alli Floors Adelabu to Win Oyo APC Governorship Primary

    Oyo South senator, Sharafadeen Alli, has emerged as the winner of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 governorship poll.

    According to reports, Alli secured 578,143 votes to defeat former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who polled 19,193 votes. Another aspirant also participated in the exercise.

    Adelabu Raises Alarm Over Primary

    Adelabu, who recently resigned from his ministerial position to contest the governorship seat, had earlier alleged that the primary election process was manipulated in some areas of the state.

    Speaking with journalists after voting at his ward on Thursday, the former minister claimed reports reaching him indicated several irregularities during the exercise.

    “I must sound this note of warning that it is not this way in a lot of other wards,” he said.

    “Reports reaching me state that there are a lot of gross misconducts in the other wards, ranging from various forms of infractions.

    “In some wards, they conducted the election hours before the appointed time and wrote the figures they liked.”

    APC Eyes Return To Agodi Government House

    The victory now positions Alli as the APC candidate expected to challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

    The APC last governed the state during the administration of late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, before Seyi Makinde of the PDP assumed office in 2019.

    Makinde has since announced a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state as preparations for the next governorship election intensify.

  • Makinde Breaks Silence on 2027 Succession Debate, Urges Caution Over Religion Talks

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has addressed the growing debate over who should succeed him in 2027, urging residents to prioritise unity and divine guidance rather than religious considerations. He spoke on Wednesday in Ibadan during a farewell event for intending Muslim pilgrims.

    His remarks come amid rising calls from some groups advocating for a Muslim governor to emerge next.

    Governor Responds to Rising Calls for Religious Balance

    In recent months, stakeholders including market leaders, transport unions, and traditional figures such as Mogajis and Baales have pushed for a Muslim successor. They argue that such a move would sustain religious balance in the state’s leadership.

    The conversation has gained momentum as early political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

    Makinde Urges Focus on Leadership, Not Religion

    Speaking in Yoruba, the governor cautioned against narrowing the debate to religious identity. He said leadership decisions should be guided by what benefits the state rather than political calculations.

    “I have heard that the next governor should be a Muslim. I want to beg you to pray that God should choose for us,” he said, adding that the priority should be someone who can build on existing progress.

    Governor Highlights Representation Pattern in Senate

    Makinde also referenced what he described as a consistent pattern in Oyo State’s representation at the National Assembly. He noted that recent Senate delegations from the state have been dominated by Muslim lawmakers.

    According to him, all three senators in the current and previous assemblies are Muslims, raising questions about the basis for calls centred solely on religious identity.

    Call for Unity as Political Tensions Build

    The governor stressed the need for unity among residents, questioning whether electoral outcomes should be reduced to religious affiliations. He urged citizens to focus on collective progress rather than divisive narratives.

    “Is it only Muslims who voted that got them elected?” he asked.

    2027 Race Begins to Take Shape

    Makinde’s comments come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next election cycle, with discussions around zoning, religion, and representation gaining traction. His intervention signals an attempt to steer the conversation toward inclusivity and governance.

  • Adelabu Directs Traffic in Ibadan After Exit as Power Minister, Sparks 2027 Buzz

    Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, was spotted directing traffic on a busy road in Ibadan on Thursday, hours after returning to the city amid growing political signals ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Viral moment on Ibadan road

    In a video circulating online, Adelabu was seen stepping out of his vehicle and controlling traffic flow like a road marshal.

    “He just came down and started directing cars. People were surprised, but some even hailed him,” an eyewitness said.

    The unusual scene quickly drew attention, with many linking it to his renewed political visibility in Oyo State.

    Warm reception fuels speculation

    Earlier in the day, Adelabu received a large welcome at the Ibadan airport, where supporters gathered to escort him in a lively procession to his residence.

    The reception is widely seen as a signal of his preparations for another run at the Oyo State governorship.

    Resignation clears path

    In his resignation letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu confirmed that he would leave office effective April 30, 2026.

    “This decision is in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, as I intend to contest in the forthcoming election,” he said.

    His exit brings an end to his tenure as power minister, during which he said he focused on reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

    Eyes on 2027 comeback

    Adelabu previously contested the Oyo governorship election in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress but lost to Governor Seyi Makinde.

    He ran again in 2023 under the Accord Party but was defeated.

    Despite those outcomes, his latest moves suggest a fresh push for the 2027 race, with supporters already expressing confidence.

    “This is just the beginning… we are ready for 2027,” one supporter said.

    The development is gaining traction in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as political activities begin to build ahead of the next election cycle.

  • Adebayo Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister to Pursue Oyo Governorship Bid

    Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, with his exit set to take effect on April 30, 2026.

    Resignation letter to Tinubu

    In a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said his decision was taken with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

    “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power… This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026,” he stated.

    The letter was routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to allow for a smooth transition.

    Focus shifts to Oyo ambition

    Adelabu said his resignation would enable him concentrate fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

    “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” he wrote.

    He added that the move aligns with provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars political appointees from contesting elections while in office.

    Gratitude and reflections on service

    The former minister thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

    “It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector,” he said.

    Adelabu also referenced his earlier resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2018 to pursue the same political ambition.

    Political implications ahead of election cycle

    His resignation signals a major shift in Oyo State politics as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather pace.

    Adelabu is expected to join the race for the governorship seat, setting the stage for intensified political activities in the state.

    The development is already drawing attention across latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as stakeholders begin to position for the contest.