An APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, former minister Adebayo Adelabu, says President Bola Tinubu authorized his resignation from the federal cabinet to contest the 2024 Oyo gubernatorial election. Adelabu, who described himself as Tinubu’s “only true son” in the state, added that the president promised to facilitate a consensus candidate but did not endorse any particular individual.
Adelabu explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set the deadline for party primaries on 31 March. He delayed his resignation to meet with the president before stepping down, travelling to Abuja after the deadline had passed. “Tinubu told me the time had come,” he quoted the president as saying. “You have been in this for a long time; I will not stop you from pursuing your ambition. Resign as minister and start work immediately.”
The former minister said the president also allowed other aspirants, identified as Sakotun and Sakosi, to meet with him, indicating an effort to build a consensus around a single candidate. If the consensus process fails, Tinubu is reportedly prepared to order a direct primary for the APC in Oyo.
Adelabu clarified that, while he has received the president’s blessing to run, Tinubu has not formally endorsed any candidate. “If a consensus fails, we will go for a direct primary,” Adelbus noted.
The Oyo governorship race is expected to be closely watched, as the state is a political stronghold for the APC. Adelabu’s candidacy adds a new dimension to the contest, given his recent ministerial experience and his claim of direct presidential backing. The next steps will involve the APC’s internal selection process, which will determine whether a consensus candidate emerges or a direct primary is conducted.
