Former Minister of Power and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebayo Adelabu, spearheaded the mobilization of thousands of party members in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the party's presidential primary held across Oyo State on Saturday. Adelabu characterized the large turnout as a powerful demonstration of confidence in Tinubu's leadership and a clear endorsement of his re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.
Massive turnout at Ward 9
Speaking at Ward 9 in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) emphasized that APC members throughout Oyo State remained united in their backing for Tinubu. He insisted that the President deserves another term to consolidate ongoing reforms and developmental policies. According to Adelabu, the exercise showcased the APC's commitment to internal democracy and reflected members' confidence in the administration's direction.
“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. So, people must have a say in determining who will lead them. That is what we have come here this afternoon to do,” Adelabu stated.
Unanimous voting for Tinubu
Adelabu disclosed that Tinubu secured all votes cast at the ward, polling 433 votes from 437 registered APC members in Ward 9, while the second contestant failed to secure any vote. “We are supposed to have two lines here, but we only had one line. President Tinubu scored 433 votes out of 437 registered members from Ward 9 in Ibadan South-East Local Government. They all voted for President Tinubu. So, it was a unanimous voting,” he said.
Adelabu explained that the process was conducted through direct voting rather than affirmation, stressing that the President emerged through a transparent and democratic process. “We did not do any affirmation because there was no consensus candidate. What we conducted was a proper election and President Tinubu carried the day 100 per cent,” he added.
Administration achievements highlighted
The APC leader maintained that Tinubu's administration had shown courage in confronting longstanding economic and structural challenges that previous governments avoided. He cited improvements in exchange rate stability, food supply, student loan schemes, road infrastructure and airport development as evidence of the administration's achievements within its first three years.
“We have seen stability in exchange rates. We have seen that there is no longer food scarcity. We have seen student loans, serious road construction and transformation in our airports,” he stated.
According to Adelabu, the achievements recorded so far have strengthened public confidence in Tinubu's leadership and justified the growing support for his second-term ambition. “So, this is an expression of confidence in the administration and governance of President Tinubu, in whom we all believe, trust and have confidence,” he said.
He urged party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.
