Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has once again set the Oyo State political arena buzzing.
With a confident declaration that “I contested in 2019 and 2023, so in 2027, Èmi Lókàn” Adelabu has signaled his readiness to make a third attempt at the governorship seat. This time, with renewed political experience and unmistakable bravado.
His declaration, made during stakeholder engagements with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Oyo State, was both an announcement and a statement of intent. “Èmi Lókàn,” the phrase made famous by President Bola Tinubu in 2023, now forms the centerpiece of Adelabu’s 2027 campaign message.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“I have served diligently in the private sector, the Central Bank, and now as Minister of Power. I have paid my dues. I believe it’s my turn to lead Oyo State into a new era of economic and infrastructural growth,” Adelabu said to cheering supporters in Ogbomoso.
But beyond the optics of optimism, Adelabu’s declaration comes with a cloud of political history and controversy that refuses to fade.
A Past Marked by Ambition and Fallout
Adelabu’s political trajectory has been nothing short of dramatic. In 2019, he contested the Oyo governorship election under the APC but lost to the incumbent, Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Four years later, in 2023, after losing the APC ticket, Adelabu defected to the Accord Party, where he ran again unsuccessfully.
His 2022 fallout with the APC was particularly bitter. During a radio appearance on Political Circuit, Adelabu alleged that he was robbed of the party’s ticket because of his relationship with the then-presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
The APC’s national leadership, however, dismissed his claims as “emotive but misleading.”
“For a man who lost his bid for the gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Chief Adelabu’s recent outburst is understandable, but totally misled,” read a statement from the party.
“The delegates decided his fate it had nothing to do with national leaders. Having decamped to another political party, rather than concentrate on his lackluster gubernatorial project, Chief Adelabu has busied himself with making wild and baseless allegations.”
At the time, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Felix Morka, curtly advised him to “stop baseless allegations,” noting that “delegates decided your fate.”
For many political watchers, this episode left a mark that may shadow Adelabu’s latest attempt. As one social media commentator, Jayjay Adebayo, put it succinctly: “The party’s own verdict was clear. Why should 2027 be any different?”
The ₦12.5 Million Controversy
Adelabu’s fresh declaration has not escaped scrutiny, with social media already abuzz over allegations of financial inducement.
A viral post by an X (formerly Twitter) user, @authorityenigma, claimed that the APC media team in Oyo State recently received ₦12.5 million from Adelabu. The post, which included a photo of a cheque purportedly issued in favor of “APC MEDIA” and dated October 3, 2025, alleged that the funds were meant to fuel a publicity drive in his favor.
“Now that APC MEDIA in Oyo State just got 12.5 million naira from Adelabu Penke,” the post read. “They will start firing, pushing lies and propaganda from every angle just like the days of 2011.”
The authenticity of the cheque and the claim has not been independently verified. However, a Prime Business Africa photograph sighted by this newspaper shows the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in a group photograph handing over a cheque to a group of young people.
The context of the presentation, including the specific purpose or recipients of the funds, remains unclear as of press time.
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The Rebranded Technocrat
Despite the past friction, Adelabu’s political brand has undergone a calculated reinvention. Since his appointment as Minister of Power by President Tinubu in 2023, he has leveraged the visibility of his office to rebuild relationships within the APC and reposition himself as a team player.
In recent months, the minister has been touring Oyo communities, meeting traditional rulers, and hosting youth groups. Reports also emerged that he donated ₦12.5 million to support the APC’s media operations in the state a move seen by many as part of his effort to consolidate grassroots influence.
“Adelabu has resources, reach, and renewed access to power at the federal level,” said a political analyst in Ibadan. “But whether the APC in Oyo will fully rally behind him remains to be seen.”
Between Legacy and Loyalty
Adelabu, grandson of the late nationalist Adegoke Adelabu (Penkelemesi), has long tied his political ambition to his family’s storied legacy in Ibadan politics. But loyalty within the Oyo APC has proven fluid. The internal rifts that cost him the 2023 ticket still linger, and questions persist about his ability to bridge old divides.
Still, his message remains consistent: unity over zoning, merit over sentiment.
“We must move beyond factional politics. My focus is on service delivery, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. Everyone will have a seat at the table,” Adelabu said.
2027: A Familiar Road, a Different Terrain
As Oyo’s political temperature begins to rise ahead of 2027, Adelabu’s early declaration has reawakened debate about loyalty, legacy, and leadership within the APC.
For some, he is a resilient technocrat who refuses to give up; for others, a perennial contender haunted by old battles. What is certain is that Bayo Adelabu’s “Èmi Lókàn” moment has reignited Oyo’s political theatre – where old grudges, new alliances, and emerging controversies are already colliding.
Whether this time the story ends differently remains the question on every watcher’s lips.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
