A former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has officially declared his intention to run for governor of Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, promising a “Rebirth Agenda” if elected.
He made the declaration on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where he also pledged to transform the state’s economy and create large-scale employment opportunities.
Adelabu said his declaration signals the start of a movement aimed at restoring, rebuilding, repositioning, and reclaiming Oyo State for meaningful progress, prosperity, and people-focused leadership.
He introduced his development plan, called the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda,” which includes stronger local government administration, grassroots development, improved security systems, an agricultural revolution, and other key reforms.
He further explained that, if elected, his agenda would also prioritise social welfare, education reform, healthcare improvement, urban development, civil service restructuring, and women’s empowerment.
According to him, “I am contesting because governance must go beyond rhetoric; it must produce measurable development.
“I am contesting because I believe that for a better Oyo State, capacity matters, competence matters, character matters, compassion matters, and courage matters.
“I stand before you today with humility and a profound sense of duty to formally declare my intention to contest for the office of the governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections under the banner of the APC,” he said.
He also appealed for unity within the APC in Oyo State, stressing that cohesion is key to winning elections.
“This project is bigger than one man. It is a collective mission. We must unite, we must close ranks.
“We must prioritise party supremacy, discipline, and shared victory over individual ambition.
“There is no progress without unity. There is no victory without solidarity. I call on all APC leaders, aspirants, stakeholders, and members: let us work together. Let us build together, let us win together,” he said.
Adelabu added that he is offering himself not as a perfect candidate, but as a prepared leader.
“Not merely as a politician, but as a servant. Not merely as an aspirant, but as a committed progressive determined to deliver results,” he said.
The event also featured goodwill messages from party stakeholders and support groups, alongside the formal unveiling of the “Oyo Rebirth Agenda.”