Former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said he would not go to court or appeal against the party’s nomination process for the 2027 elections.
He spoke after meeting party leaders and supporters from the 33 local governments and 351 wards in Oyo State.
He said he returned from a short vacation abroad to meet his loyalists.
The meeting reviewed the outcome of the APC primaries for Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly seats.
Adelabu, who thanked members across the state for their support, commitment and sacrifices during the process, described the support as one of the most treasured experience of his political journey.
Adelabu and other stakeholders raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the primaries, saying the actual results from ward and local government levels were not formally declared.
According to him, names of selected individuals were just uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Council (INEC) portal as APC candidates without publishing verifiable results of the conducted party’s primary elections.
He said he decided not to pursue legal action or internal party appeal for now, noting that the decision was not due to lack of evidence.
Adelabu said the move was in the interest of peace, party stability and the future of APC in Oyo State, adding that legal action could deepen divisions in the party.
He noted that the APC National Chairman, during a recent visit to Oyo State, admitted there were errors and injustice in the primary process. He says acknowledgement alone is not enough.
He urged the national leadership to take steps to correct the errors and restore confidence in the party, rather than just setting up reconciliation committees.
The former minister said many members felt their votes and sacrifices were disregarded and that candidates who did not reflect popular choices emerged.
He said the responsibility for reconciliation lied with the APC leadership, not just with aspirants. ”Members who feel hurt must be engaged through real actions, not just words.”
Adelabu reiterated that his ambition to become governor of Oyo State was not a do-or-die affair, noting that he had served at the highest levels and remained grateful to God.
He called on his supporters to remain peaceful and civil, quoting his late grandmother: ‘Revenge doesn’t heal; it only creates another wound.’
He condemned any form of anti-party activity, saying he remained a loyal member of APC and supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Adelabu, however, said while the contest might be closed for now, the injustice was not being conceded.
‘Our political journey continues. Our commitment to Oyo State remains firm.’