Adelabu also rejected the reported adoption of Sharafadeen Alli as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
The development follows a meeting held in Ibadan on Friday, where some APC stakeholders reportedly endorsed Alli as the party’s preferred candidate for 2027.
Earlier, a former senator, Ayo Adeseun, had claimed that President Tinubu supported Alli’s emergence, noting that the president’s position as party leader makes his opinion significant in determining who flies the party’s flag.
However, speaking on Saturday during an APC meeting in Ibadan South-East, Adelabu refuted the claim, stating that he had personally met with the president and received his backing to pursue his own governorship ambition.
Addressing party members in Yoruba, Adelabu described those alleging that Tinubu had already endorsed another aspirant as misleading the public.
He explained that before stepping down from his ministerial position, he insisted on a direct meeting with the president who appointed him.
“Before resigning, I made it clear that I needed a face-to-face discussion with the person who appointed me. That was why I delayed my resignation so I could meet him,” Adelabu said.
He added that Tinubu had consulted key stakeholders in Oyo State ahead of their meeting and that their discussion was held privately last week.
“I cannot misrepresent the president publicly. During our meeting, he told me, ‘Bayo, this is the time. You have pursued this ambition for a long period. While I would prefer you remain with me, I will not stand in your way. Go ahead and resign to begin your campaign,’” he recounted.
Adelabu further disclosed that the president indicated he would engage stakeholders to explore the possibility of reaching a consensus candidate, but noted that if that fails, the party would adopt a direct primary process.
“He assured me he would consult with relevant figures to see if consensus is achievable. If not, the party will proceed with direct primaries. That was clearly communicated to me,” he said.
He maintained that any claim suggesting the president had already endorsed another candidate was untrue.
“The president has not invited anyone to endorse a candidate in Oyo State. Anyone making such claims is not being truthful,” Adelabu added.
The former minister also expressed confidence that if Tinubu eventually decides to support a candidate in the state, he would be the preferred choice.
