The political landscape in Oyo State is heating up as the 2027 governorship election approaches. Former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, popularly known as Penkelemesi, is reportedly seeking to secure the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ticket to further his ambition. However, this move has sparked a strong reaction from the SDP governorship candidate, Saheed Oladele, who has issued a stern warning against what he describes as backdoor tactics.
Oladele Accuses Adelabu of Backdoor Moves
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng in Ibadan on Tuesday, Oladele accused Adelabu of attempting to hijack the SDP ticket after losing the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election. He emphasized that the SDP already has a valid candidate and that no placeholder arrangement exists for substitution.
Oladele emerged as the SDP governorship candidate on May 26, 2026, following a unanimous decision by party members in the presence of INEC officials and other stakeholders. He purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, solidifying his candidacy.
Warning Against Chasing Shadows
Chief Oladele cautioned the former minister not to be deceived by those giving him false hopes, as he is heading for another colossal loss. He stated, "Getting the party's ticket through the back door should not be the pre-occupation of a former Power Minister at this time. So, I urge him to wake up from his slumber and realize that there is no placeholder in Oyo SDP; rather, there is a candidate in Chief Saheed Oladele."
He further warned that the Electoral Act makes it impossible for a replacement, especially for a party that already has a candidate. "If he must desperately contest against the Electoral Act, he should look for a party that only has a placeholder, not a candidate. Adelabu believes money can buy anyone. That is the game he wants to play in SDP, but it is late in a party that has an established candidate."
Adelabu's History of Electoral Defeats
Adelabu lost the APC governorship primary to Senator Sarafadeen Alli, who secured 578,143 votes against Adelabu's 19,193 votes. Despite this, Adelabu remains determined to become the Oyo State Governor. However, Oladele warned that any attempt to use inducement to secure the SDP ticket would result in failure, given the current electoral process in Nigeria.
Oladele pointed out that Adelabu left the APC in 2023 after losing the primary and only managed to secure 38,000 votes across Oyo State in the general election. He cautioned, "It has become the pattern of Chief Adelabu, as he left APC in 2023 after he lost during the primary, but could only secure 38,000 votes across Oyo."
Recent Violence in Oyo State
In a separate incident, suspected bandits attacked a passenger vehicle along the Igbeti–Kishi road in Irepo Local Government Area, resulting in the death of one traveler and injuries to several others. The victim, identified as Moshood Kayode, popularly known as Kay NEPA, died in the attack. Survivors were rushed to medical facilities.
The political tension in Oyo State continues to mount as the 2027 elections draw nearer, with both parties and candidates positioning themselves for the race.
