Fresh political developments have thrown the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress into intense calculations following strong indications that Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign tomorrow after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
Sources familiar with the unfolding situation said Adelabu’s expected resignation is directly linked to his renewed determination to contest for the APC governorship ticket, a move already generating fresh alignments among party leaders, loyalists and interest groups across the state.
The former governorship candidate has remained one of the most prominent figures in Oyo APC politics since the 2019 election, where he emerged as a major contender. His appointment as Minister of Power further raised his national profile, while his supporters continued to sustain political structures in several parts of the state.
His expected return to the governorship race comes at a time Senator Sharafadeen Alli had gained momentum as the leading consensus option among several APC blocs. Party stakeholders had reportedly intensified consultations around Alli as a candidate capable of uniting the different tendencies within the party.
Adelabu’s likely entry has, however, changed the equation. Sources within the APC said discussions have resumed across camps, with leaders reviewing earlier understandings in the light of the minister’s expected decision to leave the cabinet.
Party insiders said Adelabu’s meeting with Tinubu has been widely interpreted as a significant political signal. Although details of the meeting were not officially disclosed, many of his supporters believe it may have strengthened his chances in the battle for the party ticket.
The minister is said to enjoy support from influential figures within the party. Among those repeatedly mentioned in political circles are Florence Ajimobi, widow of late former governor Abiola Ajimobi, former governorship candidate Teslim Folarin and other notable stakeholders who retain influence in the APC structure.
Supporters of Adelabu argue that he remains one of the strongest aspirants the party can field. They cite his experience in public office, name recognition, previous campaign machinery and widespread appeal in both urban and rural parts of Oyo State.
On the other hand, loyalists of Senator Alli insisted that the consensus arrangement already taking shape should not be discarded. They maintained that the senator has remained active in party affairs, stayed loyal through difficult periods and deserves fair consideration in the contest.
Political observers believe Adelabu’s resignation, if confirmed tomorrow, could trigger a fresh wave of lobbying and defections of support within the party. They also note that other aspirants who have remained silent may be encouraged to openly declare interest once the race becomes fully competitive.
Beyond the immediate contest, party members say the biggest test before the APC will be how to manage the ambitions of its leading figures without reopening old divisions that affected the party in previous elections. Calls for unity, transparency and fairness have already grown louder among members.
The development has heightened attention across Oyo State, where the governorship succession race is gradually taking centre stage. With Adelabu expected to make his next move tomorrow, the battle for the APC ticket appears set to enter a decisive and more competitive phase.
