A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu, has said President Bola Tinubu and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, have not endorsed any candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Adelabu stated this on Thursday while addressing party supporters and stakeholders in Ibadan shortly after returning from Abuja.
He dismissed reports suggesting that the President and the monarch had backed a preferred aspirant, describing such claims as misleading and urging party members to ignore them.
According to him, the governorship race remains open to all interested aspirants, stressing that the President would not interfere in the process.
“President Tinubu has not endorsed any consensus candidate. The contest is open to everyone. As President of the country, he has responsibilities across the federation and cannot have a special interest in any individual,” Adelabu said.
He added that the President had advised party stakeholders to either agree on a consensus candidate or adopt a primary election.
Adelabu explained that Tinubu encouraged members of the party to engage among themselves and reach a common ground, noting that where consensus fails, a direct primary would be conducted.
On reports alleging that the Olubadan had endorsed a candidate, the APC chieftain described them as unfounded.
He said the traditional ruler remains a father figure to all, regardless of political affiliations, and would not take sides in partisan matters.
The former Minister of Power, who recently resigned his position to pursue his governorship ambition, also appealed to residents of the state to support his bid.
He pledged to run an inclusive administration if elected, assuring that his government would prioritise the welfare of all residents, including the poor, women and youths.
Adelabu said his ambition was driven by a desire to serve the people and promote development across the state.
