By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The political atmosphere in Oyo State witnessed a fresh twist on Friday as two influential leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adebayo Adelabu and Teslim Kolawole Folarin, were seen attending Jumat prayers together, a development that has sparked fresh political conversations ahead of the 2027 governorship race in the state.
The duo were observed arriving together for the Jumat service on Friday, May 8, in Ibadan, where they exchanged pleasantries warmly and participated in the congregational prayers side by side. Their public appearance has already generated reactions among party loyalists and political observers, especially amid months of speculation suggesting that both politicians were no longer politically aligned.
Adelabu, a former Minister of Power who recently resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State under the APC platform, remains one of the strongest contenders in the race to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027. Political observers believe his growing consultations across the state indicate serious preparations for another gubernatorial bid.
READ ALSO:2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi
Folarin, on the other hand, continues to command enormous political influence within and beyond the APC in Oyo State. The former Senate Leader is widely regarded as one of the major political strategists in the South-West, with a reputation for shaping political alignments and determining electoral directions through his network of loyalists across the state and the country.
READ ALSO:APC Moves Against Long-Serving Lagos Lawmakers
For months, political analysts and rumor merchants had speculated about an alleged frosty relationship between both leaders, particularly after the 2023 general elections and the internal power shifts within the APC in Oyo State. Friday’s public outing, however, appears to have softened such claims and may signal renewed political understanding between the two camps.
The Merit Newspaper reports that some APC supporters who spoke after the Jumat service described the development as a positive sign for party unity ahead of future elections. They argued that reconciliation among major stakeholders could strengthen the APC’s chances of reclaiming power in Oyo State after years in opposition.
Though neither Adelabu nor Folarin made official comments after the prayers, their joint appearance has already become a major talking point in Oyo political circles, with many observers interpreting it as a possible signal of strategic political realignment ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
