A recent throwback video clip of the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has resurfaced online. The motive behind the throwback short video is clear: to discredit Chief Adebayo Adelabu using comments made while he was contesting under the Accord party. This resurfaced video is a stark reminder of the complexities of Nigerian politics.
The recent video clip attached to an article titled “Bayo Adelabu and 2027: Why His Past is the APC’s Biggest Liability in Oyo”. The reality is that Adelabu’s political trajectory and personality represent one of APC’s biggest strengths going into the 2027 governorship race for the following reasons:
Firstly, political realignment is normal in Nigerian politics.
In the annals of Nigeria, party defections and political criticisms are not new in Nigeria’s democracy. They’re common across political lines and divides. In fact, many prominent leaders across party lines have, at one point, contested under different parties before returning to the fold of their original party.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself had on many occasions been criticised by party members and adversaries; despite this criticism, his capacity to unite diverse interests remains his strength. What matters is not past campaign rhetoric but the willingness to bring people together under a stronger, united party structure. Adelabu has done exactly this by returning to APC with both his loyal followers and political network intact.
Secondly, Adelabu’s return strengthens APC’s Grassroots Base. Since Chief Adebayo Adelabu rejoined APC, Adelabu has brought renewed energy and influence that the party badly needs in Oyo State. Undoubtedly, the minister commands a wide base of supporters, especially among youths and professionals. These group of people admire his technocratic background and grassroots engagement. His former political movement was not a detraction but rather a training ground that has now become an experience that is being reinvested into APC as a political party.
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Furthermore, Adelabu’s experience and exposure in governance is a strategic advantage for Oyo State come 2027. As the current Minister of Power, Adelabu’s national profile, exposure and experience have grown significantly. He has demonstrated administrative competence, policy expertise, and political maturity. By 2027, his experience at the federal level will make him the most credible and formidable candidate to challenge the PDP in Oyo. While many of his contemporary may depend on local politics, Adelabu will bring both state-level popularity, experience and federal exposure into play in Oyo state.
Again, Adelabu’s past criticisms of APC demonstrate honesty and courage. Adelabu showed he could speak truth to power when necessary, and his decision to return shows his commitment to reform and strengthen APC rather than abandon it.
In 2019, Adelabu, under APC, polled over 357,000 votes an impressive record for a first-time governorship candidate. Even during his candidacy in 2023, he managed to maintain significant support despite contesting outside the two major parties. This shows his enduring personal popularity, which, if consolidated under APC, makes him the most formidable challenger to PDP in 2027. If a governorship candidate like Chief Adebayo Adelabu can gather such a massive vote in 2019, obviously come 2027, with his current exposure, experience and network, he would be an unstoppable force that will lead APC to Agodi House.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu is not a liability but a major political asset for APC in Oyo State. The resurfaced video is a distraction coming from the camp of the minister’s adversaries, who are afraid of his growing popularity to again be the APC flagbearer.
Finally, Adelabu’s grassroots appeal, administrative competence, federal exposure, and proven ability to mobilise votes place him miles ahead of other potential aspirants. If APC is ready to reclaim Oyo in 2027, then Adelabu is not only the candidate to beat, but he is also the most strategic and sellable candidate to win Oyo state for APC.
