Chance Doesn't Win Elections Twice": Oyo PDP Blasts Adelabu Over 2027 Ambition

The political temperature in Oyo State has risen significantly following a scathing press statement issued by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), directed at the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. The statement serves as a direct rebuttal to the Minister’s recent public declaration where he reportedly invoked the "Emi lo kan" (It is my turn) slogan, positioning himself as the inevitable successor to Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027. The PDP, through its Acting Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogunsina, dismissed Adelabu’s assertions as the "rantings of a serial loser" who has failed to come to terms with the reality of his electoral misfortunes in 2019 and 2023.

The core of the PDP's response centers on the Minister's subtle insinuation that Governor Makinde’s electoral successes were circumstantial. In a sharp retort, the PDP argued that "chance doesn't win elections twice." The party emphasized that while a politician might get lucky once, securing a landslide re-election—as Makinde did in 2023 with over 560,000 votes—is undeniable proof of a popular mandate rooted in tangible performance. They contrasted Makinde’s "people-focused" governance with what they described as Adelabu’s "elitist and detached" approach to politics, suggesting that the Minister is banking on federal might rather than grassroots support.

The PDP also took aim at Adelabu’s performance in his current federal portfolio. The statement advised the Minister to focus on fixing the nation's erratic power supply, which has plagued Nigerians, rather than "daydreaming" about the Agodi Government House. They argued that a man who struggles to manage a single ministry is ill-equipped to govern a complex state like Oyo. The party spokespersons noted that residents of Oyo State are sophisticated voters who prioritize competence over entitlement, warning Adelabu that the "it is my turn" narrative will not fly in a state known for its political independence.

Furthermore, the opposition party ridiculed Adelabu's claim of being the "leader" of the APC in the state, pointing out the internal fragmentation within his own party. The PDP noted that Adelabu’s "political prostitution"—moving from APC to Accord Party and back to APC—has eroded his credibility among the electorate. They posited that true leadership requires consistency and loyalty, qualities they claim the Minister lacks. By highlighting his defection history, the PDP aims to paint him as an opportunist whose only loyalty is to his personal ambition.

In conclusion, the Oyo PDP advised Chief Adelabu to "wake up from his slumber" and realize that the governance of Oyo State is not a birthright or a compensation for failed attempts. They reiterated that the PDP structure in the state remains formidable and is not threatened by what they termed "empty boasts" from Abuja-based politicians. The exchange signals the unofficial commencement of the 2027 gubernatorial battle, with the ruling party drawing a clear line between their record of service and the opposition’s rhetoric of entitlement.