Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party’s primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing a severe deficit in transparency and procedural credibility.
Speaking via a press statement following a strategic consultative meeting with party leaders and supporters across the 33 Local Government Areas and 351 wards of Oyo State, Adelabu expressed deep concern over the failure to declare official vote tallies before nominees were submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Adelabu noted that rather than announcing the verifiable votes scored by aspirants at ward and local government levels, names of selected individuals were entered directly onto the INEC electronic portal.
He stressed that this practice produced candidates without the transparent publication of the actual results upon which such nominations were supposedly founded, creating deep apprehension among party faithful across the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly contests.
While affirming that his political camp possesses authenticated collation records, documentary evidence, and video recordings that challenge the integrity of the process, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor announced that he will not pursue internal appeals or institute legal proceedings.
He explained that the decision was taken in the interest of party peace, stability, and cohesion rather than a lack of evidence or conviction.
Addressing the party’s internal dynamics, Adelabu pointed out that the APC National Chairman had previously acknowledged errors and unfairness during a recent visit to Oyo State.
However, he insisted that mere apologies or superficial reconciliation committees cannot replace concrete corrective measures where grievances exist.
He warned the party leadership that elections are won through grassroots trust and member enthusiasm, not merely by uploading names onto a digital database.
Adelabu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging his followers across the state to remain peaceful and avoid any form of anti-party activities.
Emphasizing that his governorship ambition is not a do-or-die affair, he stated that while he is closing the immediate contest to preserve party unity, he does not concede to the injustice that characterized the primary process.