Minister of Power Chief Bayo Adelabu is having a challenging time with the top echelons of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
This imbroglio is connected to the power struggle over control of the party in the state and the upcoming 2027 governorship race.
Although warning signs have been visible for some time, the underlying discord within the party became apparent following a poor performance in the recent by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The APC was unable to secure a victory and suffered a humiliating defeat to the opposing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in all 12 wards of the constituency. In fact, the party's candidate failed to even win his own polling unit.
This disappointing performance has been attributed to the negative disposition of certain party leaders who opted to remain inactive to send a strong message to the national body of the party regarding who is actually on the ground in the state.
The issues began when the candidate for the by-election was nominated from Abuja without adequate consultation with state leaders, including a serving senator from the constituency, Oyo South's Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli.
This has raised questions about why prominent APC leaders in Ibadan, such as Senator Alli, Chief (Mrs.) Abiola Ajimobi, Senator Teslim Folarin, and others, could not collaborate effectively to secure a victory for their party.
While some leaders supported Farouk, the son of the late business magnate Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao, Bayo Adelabu backed another candidate, Wale Murphy, who ultimately secured the party's ticket.
This decision not only alienated Adelabu from several party leaders but also sparked rumors suggesting it reflected a lack of respect for the late Arisekola's legacy.
Many questioned why Adelabu would not support the candidacy of his widely recognized benefactor's son.
The unfavorable attitude of APC leaders during the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election is believed to be an attempt to curtail Adelabu's authority and influence within the party. Critics of Adelabu, the APC's governorship candidate in 2019 and a hopeful for 2027, argue that he lacks the necessary temperament and political acumen to lead such a large party in Oyo State.
They have labeled him as an inconsistent political opportunist.
Part of this perception stems from his departure from the party after losing the 2019 election and subsequent defection to the Accord Party, where he again lost the gubernatorial race. As a result, many were surprised when his nomination as Minister was announced, viewing it as an affront to party loyalists who remained committed despite previous setbacks.
Adelabu's nomination came while still a member of Accord but later rejoined APC officially.
These grievances, coupled with other accumulated issues, highlight the obstacles that many within the Oyo APC have concerning Adelabu, and addressing these matters will be crucial for the party's success in the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Some factions are already branding Adelabu as an unsuitable candidate for 2027, arguing that to reclaim the state from the opposition, the APC should not nominate him.
A group within the Oyo APC, the Progressives Forum for Good Governance, recently cautioned against endorsing Adelabu as the party's gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming election.
In response to rumors of his adoption at an Aso Villa meeting, the group's Coordinator, Mr. Bolade Adeyemi, expressed that "the power minister is not the best that Ibadan can offer in 2027."
They emphasized that Adelabu has had ample leadership opportunities and should focus on his responsibilities as power minister.
Their statement read in part: “It is our sincere admonition to the leadership of the party that if the APC is desirous of sending the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) out of the Agodi Government House come 2027, it should not touch Adelabu with a long pole. Rather, he should be left to face his job as Power Minister because if he is truly performing, there is no reason for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release him from his cabinet."
Adelabu faces numerous challenges within the Oyo APC. Supporters of Senator Teslim Folarin, the party's 2023 candidate, are already urging him to contest again in 2027, while many other aspirants are also preparing to enter the race.
Credit: City People
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