OYO 2027: ADELABU DISOWNS EX-AIDE’S DEFECTION TO APM

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By:Aminat Tajudeen

Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has distanced himself from the defection of his former aide, Ajiboye Akande, from the APC to the Allied Peoples Movement.

Akande led hundreds of APC supporters from the state’s 33 local government areas to the APM during the Boye Nation/JAF Movement Mega Concert held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Monday.

Reacting to the development, Adelabu, in a statement issued by his media office in Ibadan on Tuesday, said Akande was no longer his Personal Assistant and had ceased to have any official, political or representational relationship with him.

He explained that their working relationship ended following irreconcilable differences over their political alignments, particularly after Akande decided to pursue a different political path.

Adelabu stressed that Akande’s defection, rally, public statements and other political activities were personal decisions and should not be linked to him.

He said Akande no longer had the authority to speak for or represent him in any capacity.

“I remain a member of the APC and have no intention of leaving the party. My disagreement with aspects of the Oyo governorship nomination process is about the process and the need for transparency and legitimacy, and not an excuse to abandon the party,” Adelabu stated.

He added that he would not betray President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as his political mentor and benefactor, or leave the party through which he had the opportunity to serve.

Adelabu said his concerns over the Oyo governorship primary were centred on transparency, documentation and legitimacy, rather than an intention to leave the APC.

According to him, the outcome of the exercise should be properly released and backed by signed documents and other verifiable evidence to provide a credible basis for acceptance by party members.

The former minister also said his governorship ambition was not a do-or-die affair, noting that his primary interest was to have the opportunity to serve the people of Oyo State.

He further pointed out that he was financially independent and remained engaged in real estate, hospitality, farming and financial securities businesses since leaving public office.

“I therefore have no need to jump from one political party to another simply to remain relevant,” he said.

Adelabu reiterated that he remained firmly in the APC and had neither defected from the party nor authorised anyone to do so on his behalf.

He maintained that Akande’s political activities were his personal decisions and had no connection whatsoever with him.