Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has boldly declared that it is his turn to govern Oyo State in 2027, echoing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s famous slogan, “Emi Lokan” meaning “It’s my turn.”
Adelabu made the declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
A viral video from the event showed the minister addressing party members in Yoruba, expressing his confidence and determination to reclaim the governorship seat from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I have been on this journey for a while now. Politics doesn’t reward you the day you start. I have paid my dues. I contested against Seyi (Makinde) in 2019 and again in 2023. But this time, God has shown that it’s my turn. It’s Adelabu’s time. Whatever belongs to Adelabu belongs to us all,” Adelabu said.
The minister’s declaration reignited political discussions across Oyo State, especially as he vowed to mobilize APC members to take back power from Governor Seyi Makinde, who defeated him twice first in 2019 under APC, and later in 2023 when Adelabu contested under the Accord Party.
Following the 2023 defeat, Adelabu returned to the APC after President Tinubu appointed him as Minister of Power, a position that strengthened his political influence in the state.
Adelabu also pledged to lead grassroots campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, promising to personally visit every ward to seek voter support.
“I’m ready to go from house to house, day and night, to beg our people. We must unite, work together, and restore APC’s leadership in Oyo State,” he added.
Political analysts believe Adelabu’s statement signals the start of intense political mobilization within the APC, as the party prepares to challenge Makinde’s PDP in 2027.
His use of Tinubu’s slogan, “Emi Lokan,” has been interpreted as an attempt to align his ambition with the president’s political philosophy and seek support from Abuja.
Adelabu, a grandson of the late political icon Adegoke Adelabu (Penkelemesi), remains a key figure in Oyo politics.
His confidence and renewed declaration have already set the stage for what could become one of the fiercest governorship battles in the South-West ahead of the 2027 elections.
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