As an indigene of Oyo State who has followed the political and professional journey of Chief Adebayo Adelabu closely, I feel compelled to respond to the recent article that attempted to discredit his contributions and question his ambition to serve our dear state as the Executive Governor of Oyo State come 2027. I know that Chief Bayo Adelabu gives no room for distraction and as a result-oriented technocrat-cum-politician, he does not give his attention to naysayers. However, it is deserving to respond to this campaign of calumny before unchecked and unrebutted lies becomes apparent facts. It is not far-fetched that the fallacy ridden opinion of the writer is the work of his political enemies who are already jittery and afraid by his widely accepted consultation which he commenced some days ago towards his 2027 Oyo State Governorship ambition. This is nothing but a testament to the fact that he is the best candidate which the best of them can not compete with in a level playing ground, hence the attempt to punch him below the belt with rumors, lies, fallacies and gibberish.
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is important that we separate political sentiments from facts.
*DELIVERING REFORMS AND RESULTS IN THE POWER SECTOR*
The truth must be told, and the truth is that Chief Adelabu has not only served Nigeria diligently but has also laid a solid foundation for transformation in the power sector within a very short time.
Let us begin with the claim that he is a “Minister without impact.” This is not only unfair but also completely fallacy. Since his appointment as the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adelabu has overseen some of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s power sector in recent history. Under his leadership, the country recorded its highest-ever power generation capacity of 6,003 megawatts in March 2025. On that same day, the national grid achieved a peak evacuation of 5,801.84 MW and a daily energy output of 128,370.75 MWh. These are not mere statistics; they are milestones that show real progress. Furthermore, the Zungeru Hydropower Plant, which had been in the works for years, finally began contributing 550 MW to the national grid under his watch. He also restored 345 MW to idle power plants in Benin, Calabar, and Omotosho. These are tangible results that have improved electricity supply across the country, including in Oyo State.
The article also failed to mention the massive infrastructure upgrades that have taken place under his leadership. Over 70 new transformers were installed between 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, adding 7,226.5 MVA to the grid and boosting grid stability. These upgrades were carried out in key locations such as Lagos, Kaduna, Bauchi, Benin, and Osogbo, with ripple effects felt across the nation. In the area of metering, Chief Adelabu launched a ₦700 billion FAAC-backed initiative to end estimated billing. Over 1.1 million meters are set to be deployed by the end of 2025, with a target of 2 million meters annually for the next five years. Additionally, more than 3.2 million smart meters are being installed under the World Bank DISREP project. This is a clear demonstration of his commitment to fairness and transparency in electricity billing.
On clean energy, his achievements are equally impressive. Through the Energizing Education Programme, 100 MW of clean energy is being provided to 37 universities and 7 teaching hospitals. Another 948 MW of renewable energy is being deployed to rural areas, and 17.5 million Nigerians are expected to benefit from improved electricity access under the $750 million Renewable Energy Scale-Up Project. These initiatives are not just about power—they are about improving lives, creating jobs, and building a sustainable future. And many testimonies abound of people corroborating the fact that Nigerians now enjoy more hours of power supply while Bayo Adelabu continues to strive to do more.
*AMBITIOUS TO TAKE OYO TO ENVIABLE HEIGHTS BUT NOT DESPERATE*
Now, let us address the issue of his political ambition. Yes, Chief Adelabu has contested for the governorship of Oyo State twice and did not win. But does that mean he should give up? Absolutely not. Many great leaders have faced electoral defeats before eventually succeeding. A vivid example is arguably the greatest American President, Abraham Lincoln who suffered many electoral losses before he achieved his dream. Let me bring this home, late Chief Abiola Ajimobi lost to his predecessor, Chief Alao Akala in 2007 before he later rose from the loss to become the first Oyo State Governor to have two terms in office. Also, the incumbent Governor – Engr. Seyi Makinde ran for the Agodi Government more than once before he could get there. So, why are the rabble-rousers and those who are scared of Bayo Adelabu convulsing and foaming in the mouth because he wants to contest again in 2027 as if he has committed any crime to do so. What matters is not how many times one falls, but how many times one rises. His decision to contest again is not a sign of desperation, but of determination and belief in the potential of Oyo State. Some have accused him of switching parties for personal gain. But politics is dynamic, and real leaders must make strategic decisions to remain relevant and effective. What has remained constant is his love for Oyo State and his desire to serve. Whether under APC or Accord, his message has always been the same: development, empowerment, and inclusive governance.
Speaking of inclusiveness, the claim that his campaigns lacked public consultation is simply not true. In both 2019 and 2023, Chief Adelabu engaged with stakeholders across all zones of the state. He met with traditional rulers, youth groups, market women, artisans, and religious leaders. His campaign teams were made up of people from diverse backgrounds, and he has always promoted unity and fairness. He has started on the same note towards 2027 by his initiation of his consultation with the party structures across the zones in the state with his visits to Oyo and Ogbomosho zones last week.
As Minister, he has also ensured that Oyo State benefits from federal projects. Oyo is one of the 11 states granted regulatory autonomy under the new Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently. This is a game-changer for our state, and it happened under his leadership. In addition, Oyo State, including the masses benefited from the Federal Government Alternative Energy drive with provision of solar-powered street lights which can be seen in the nooks and cranny of the state.
The article also made a personal attack on his religious beliefs, which I find deeply inappropriate. Chief Adelabu is a Muslim, but he has always shown respect for all religions. He has supported Islamic events, attended Muslim gatherings, and promoted religious harmony by showing respects for other religions as expected of a true leader. In a state as diverse as Oyo, this kind of tolerance is not just admirable—it is essential.
*A MAN OF PHILANTROPY, AN ENCAPSULATION OF EMPATHY*
The writer suggests Bayo Adelabu as being an elite who could not understand the struggles of the common man. This is far from it! He was born and raised in Kudeti, Ibadan. He attended Lagelu Grammar School, a public school, and worked his way up through hard work and determination. He became the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Executive Director at First Bank, and a Fellow of several professional bodies. He has trained at Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. This is not elitism—it is excellence, determination and focus with God’s blessing that brought him to this level. Despite his success, he has never forgotten his roots. Through his foundation and businesses, he has empowered thousands of youths, supported education, provided scholarships, and created jobs. His hospitality and real estate businesses in Ibadan employ hundreds of people. He has sponsored free medical outreaches and supported community development projects across the state. To say he has no empathy is to ignore all these efforts which is the cards the writer played in the article. Chief Adelabu understands the pain of the people because he has lived among them, worked with them, and served them. His ambition is not to enrich himself, but to uplift Oyo State and make it a model of development in Nigeria.
In conclusion, 2027 should not be about propaganda or personal attacks. It should be about who has the vision, the experience, and the capacity to lead Oyo State to greatness. Chief Adebayo Adelabu has proven himself in the private sector, in public service, and now as Minister of Power. He has delivered results, not excuses. He has shown leadership, not laziness. He has brought innovation, not stagnation. And he has practiced politics of fairness, respect and commitment to the people – and he will continue to do so despite the continuous attack of unleashed political rabid dogs of his political enemies.
As an Oyo indigene, I am proud of what he has achieved. And I believe that with our support, he can do even more. Let us not be swayed by bitterness or misinformation. Let us choose competence, character, and commitment. Let us give Chief Adebayo AbdulWaheed Adelabu the chance to serve Oyo State the way he has served Nigeria —with passion, purpose, and performance come 2027.
*Bamidele Atiba* (B.Sc, MB.ChB, MPH, PGCert. LTiHE, FHEA, FRSPH, PhD in view)
[Area of Specialty: Political Strategy, Public Health and Policy, Quality Improvement and Implementation Science]