The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports suggesting that Senator Sharafadeen Alli has been adopted as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections in Oyo State.
Adelabu, through his aide, Femi Awogboro, described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that the minister remains a leading aspirant and contender for the party’s governorship ticket.
Awogboro also refuted assertions that Alli’s purported endorsement was concluded during a meeting at the Lagos residence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He clarified that the gathering was merely a Sallah visit and not a political meeting convened to decide on a consensus candidate.
He explained that Adelabu was not in attendance, noting that the minister was observing Lesser Hajj at the time.
According to him, it would be unlikely for such a critical political decision to be taken in the absence of key stakeholders.
The aide further argued that any genuine move to adopt a consensus candidate would have involved prominent party leaders, including Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, alongside other influential stakeholders within Oyo State.
Awogboro stressed that there has been no official endorsement or statement from the President backing any aspirant, adding that such a decision would require extensive consultations across party structures in the state.
He added that the President would ultimately support a loyal and credible candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge against any opponent backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in the 2027 governorship election.
While urging party members and supporters to remain calm, Awogboro maintained that Adelabu possesses the experience and political pedigree required to lead Oyo State, reiterating that he remains a strong contender in the race.