Adebayo Shittu, the former Minister of Communications in Nigeria, has made a statement regarding the upcoming 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu will have the final say on who the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate will be. In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, Shittu rejected rumors suggesting that Adebayo Adelabu, the current Minister of Power, might be the consensus candidate for the party, asserting that such decisions would solely rest with the President of Nigeria.

Shittu indicated that there are currently no guarantees or promises made to any candidate about the APC nomination, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the race. He further hinted that no clear signal had been sent from Tinubu that would suggest support or endorsement for any individual candidate, including Adelabu. This highlights a more complex dynamic within the APC as various aspirants vie for attention and favor ahead of the election, compounded by the lack of clarity from the party leadership.

The assertion from Shittu about the pivotal role of the President in deciding the candidate for Oyo showcases the ongoing political maneuvering within Nigeria’s ruling party. As the 2027 election approaches, this uncertainty may prompt further jockeying among potential candidates, as no one can confidently claim to have the President’s backing as of now. This development emphasizes the significant influence of party leadership and the complexities of internal party dynamics within the APC as they prepare for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections.