The Minister of Power and 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has assured the people of Ibarapa zone that their long-standing electricity challenge will soon be a thing of the past.
Adelabu, while addressing party leaders, stakeholders, and members of the APC in Eruwa, said that his ministry has secured adequate funding for the completion of three power substations across the Ibarapa region — a development he described as a major step toward providing stable power supply to the area after over 15 years of blackout and unreliable electricity.
According to him, residents of Eruwa, Lanlate, Igboora, Idere, Ayete, Tapa, and Igangan — the seven towns that make up the Ibarapa zone — will soon witness significant improvement in electricity distribution once the substations are completed.
“We’ve identified and diagnosed the electricity problem in Ibarapa. Previously, the challenge was inadequate funding, but we have now secured sufficient resources to complete the substations and upgrade existing infrastructure,” Adelabu stated.
He added that construction work would commence within a week and assured residents that the projects would be completed before the end of his tenure as Minister of Power.
“As you can see, we’ve already started delivering transformers as part of our intervention efforts. Similarly, we’ve begun lighting up major roads and clusters. Ibarapa should relax — I give you my word that the project will be completed and commissioned before I leave office,” he pledged.
The minister’s promise marks a significant moment for the Ibarapa zone, which has endured over a decade of unstable electricity supply that has crippled small businesses and slowed socio-economic growth in the region.
Meanwhile, during his consultation meetings with APC stakeholders across the five local government areas in Ibadan, Adelabu urged party members to prioritize reconciliation and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called on leaders to set aside personal differences and focus on building a cohesive front capable of unseating the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.
“My governorship ambition is not a do-or-die affair,” Adelabu said. “What matters most is ensuring that Oyo State returns to the progressive fold. We must work together, in fairness and transparency, to make that happen.”
The minister also stressed the importance of internal democracy within the APC, warning against the creation of parallel lists during ward, local government, and state congresses.
“Let there be internal democracy in our party. There shouldn’t be multiple lists for our ward, local government, and state congresses. The party should begin credible reconciliation where everyone is carried along. I am ready to devote my time to the peace, progress, and development of our dear party,” he affirmed.
Adelabu’s renewed commitment to fixing Ibarapa’s electricity problem and fostering unity within the APC has been widely received as a dual move — one aimed at consolidating his political base while addressing a major infrastructural challenge in Oyo State.
