By Our Correspondent
A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has stated that President Bola Tinubu will ultimately determine who emerges as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Oyo State election.
According to him, speculation that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, may emerge as the party’s consensus candidate remains unfounded.
Shittu dismissed rumours suggesting that any aspirant had already secured the party’s ticket, stressing that the decision would depend largely on the party leadership and the President’s position.
He emphasised that no official endorsement has been made for any contender ahead of the crucial political contest.
Speaking during an interview, the former minister noted that Adelabu’s current role in the federal cabinet should not be interpreted as a sign that he would automatically become the APC’s candidate in the forthcoming Oyo governorship election.
“There is nothing like an anointed candidate at the moment. Some people assume Adelabu may get the ticket because he is a minister, but that does not determine the outcome,” Shittu said.
He added that he had also served as a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, yet such a position did not guarantee political advantage.
Shittu explained that the APC governorship primary in Oyo State could be conducted either through consensus or indirect primaries, depending on the party’s final decision.
However, he reiterated that the process would ultimately be influenced by the leadership of the ruling party.
The former coordinator of the Tinubu–Shettima Campaign Council also expressed confidence that the APC could reclaim Oyo State when the tenure of the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde, comes to an end.
According to him, the race for the party’s ticket will likely be highly competitive, with several prominent politicians expected to join the contest.
Among those mentioned are Senator Sharafadeen Alli, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin, and House of Representatives member Remi Oseni.
Reports have also suggested that Adelabu may consider resigning from his ministerial role to focus on his governorship ambition.
Political observers say this could intensify competition within the party as more aspirants prepare for the primaries.
Under the timetable released by Nigeria’s electoral authorities, party primaries for the election are expected to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, a period during which parties will select their candidates and resolve any disputes.
