Adebayo Adelabu, the recently resigned Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, has dismissed reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, have endorsed any candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking to his supporters in Ibadan after his resignation in Abuja, Adelabu urged political aspirants to stop name-dropping Tinubu and the Olubadan to advance their ambitions, insisting that no consensus candidate has been chosen for the race.
He described the endorsement claims as false, stating that President Tinubu, as national leader overseeing all states and the FCT, has not shown preference for any aspirant. According to him, the president has encouraged internal party consensus or direct primaries where necessary.
Adelabu also debunked rumours linking the Olubadan of Ibadanland to any political endorsement, describing the monarch as a father to all residents regardless of political affiliation and stressing that he remains neutral in the contest.
Reaffirming his governorship ambition, Adelabu said he is contesting to serve the people of Oyo State and pledged inclusive governance if elected, while urging supporters to focus on issues-based campaigns rather than relying on alleged endorsements.