BAYO ADELABU — Let me disclose here that as an agelong supporter of Bayo Adelabu’s aspiration from onset, my support for him is not accidental nor momentary as we have all come a long way and I can claim i know a bit of him more than an average person knows him.
Irrespective of any insinuation from afar by a few social media commentators, I can attest to the knowledge of his towering qualities covering his academic exploits during our school days, his enviable ascension in the Corporate world, his business acumen, unparalleled philanthropic gestures, his leadership skills, his knack to keep on with old childhood relationships and his undying love for Ibadan and Oyo state.
Bayo Adelabu may not appear to be your typical do or die politician that play to the gallery and stealing support or validation in indiscriminate lavish of cash on everybody he meets, justifiable or not. He is an achiever full of confidence in his capabilities (often mistaken for arrogance) and doesn’t believe in external validation of his personality. Whenever you engage him, I’m sure you will be bought over by his oratory prowess and his deep knowledge of Oyo state inside out and a clear articulation of his plan for governance.
So, with the above, I should naturally favour and support any positive prediction about Adelabu becoming the next Governor of Oyo State regardless of sincerity, insincerity, or ulterior motive on the part of the predictor. However, the way and manner the prediction is being put across may pitch Adelabu against majority of people or arouse public hatred or enemity for him. Nobody can impose anybody. We can only support and canvass votes. So, we have to be careful in the way we put our feelings, wishes or thoughts across if we are being sincere with the person in question. And the manner in which we respond to such predictions must be tactful. Let’s not fall into the enemy’s net.
2027 general elections is going to be a keenly contested elections and not a Selection like we are being made to believe. I’m sure Adelabu is already getting ready, as usual, for a program based electioneering campaign, primary and general. In spite of his losses in 2019 and 2023, it’s on record that Adelabu had the most comprehensive campaign program with the widest coverage across the state.
Bayo Adelabu as a Democratic Reformer and the Needless Speculation of Imposition
Therefore, let’s not pitch Adelabu against the public by saying he is the next governor against all odds. We should not play God but come out with qualities that we feel Adelabu possesses that will endear him to the people and advise on whatever shortcomings we believe he has. Let’s campaign and convince people and not intimidate anybody that whether they like it or not, Adelabu is the next Governor. That is not the way to go if we are being sincere and truly desire Adelabu Governorship.
I’m convinced Adelabu towers above other known aspirants in all ramifications and political connections, electoral experience, etc, but that is not enough. He must work for it. I believe he can.
