Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has withdrawn from the 2027 Oyo State governorship race following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination process.

Adelabu announced his decision in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, titled “APC Nomination Process in Oyo State: Closing the Contest, Not Conceding the Injustice.” He, however, stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an acceptance of what he described as irregularities and injustice in the party’s governorship primary.

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The former minister said his decision followed “deep reflection and a strategic reassessment” of recent developments within the APC and the political journey ahead. He disclosed that he had taken a brief vacation outside the country after months of intense political activities before returning to consult party leaders and supporters across Oyo State.

According to Adelabu, the consultations provided an opportunity to review concerns raised by party members, aspirants and stakeholders over the governorship primary as well as the Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly nomination processes.

He said the absence of publicly declared and verifiable results had created serious concerns about the transparency, credibility and integrity of the nomination exercise.

“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 said.

He further claimed that substantial documentary evidence, authenticated collation records and video materials were available which, in his view, raised serious questions about aspects of the process and the eventual outcomes.

Adelabu’s decision effectively brings an end to his participation in the APC governorship contest, but his statement indicates that he is not conceding the allegations surrounding the nomination process.

The former minister had been one of the prominent aspirants seeking the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.