Bayo Adelabu,Former Minister of Power, has shelved plans to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Oyo State, choosing party unity over a legal battle despite alleging that the exercise was marred by unfairness, opaque collation and the disregard of members’ votes.
Adelabu, who is seeking to govern the state in 2027, said on Thursday that he would neither appeal the primary internally nor institute legal proceedings against the outcome, but urged the APC’s national leadership to urgently address grievances surrounding the emergence of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s candidate.
The former minister, in a statement issued in Ibadan, said his decision followed consultations with party leaders and representatives of his supporters from the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards.
He stressed that his decision was not due to a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction, but was driven by the need to preserve peace, stability and cohesion within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This decision is not because of a lack of evidence, confidence or conviction. Neither should it be interpreted as an act of surrender or an indication that my aspiration to serve as Governor of Oyo State is a do-or-die affair,” Adelabu said.
