Adebayo Adelabu, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of Power, has distanced himself from the defection of his former aide, Ajiboye Akande, and others to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Akande, leading the Boye Nation in collaboration with the JAF Movement, organised a Mega Concert to unveil Governor Seyi Makinde and Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi as the presidential and governorship candidates of the APM in Ibadan.
Adelabu, in a statement released by his media office in Ibadan, clarified that Akande is no longer his Personal Assistant and has no official, political, or representational relationship with him. He explained that their working relationship ended due to irreconcilable differences in their political alignments. Adelabu emphasized that he has parted ways with Akande because Akande has chosen to pursue a different political path.
The former minister stressed that he remains a member of APC and has no intention of leaving the party. He stated that his disagreement is with aspects of the Oyo governorship nomination process, specifically the need for transparency and legitimacy, and not an excuse to abandon the party. Adelabu added that he will not betray President Bola Tinubu, whom he regards as his political mentor and benefactor.
Adelabu's support for President Tinubu is based not merely on personal loyalty, but also on his belief in due process and the legitimacy of the President's emergence through a properly conducted and documented primary process. He emphasized that all he has been clamouring for is the principle of transparency, documentation, and legitimacy to be applied to the Oyo governorship primary elections.
The former minister insisted that his governorship ambition has never been a do-or-die affair, but rather about the opportunity to serve Oyo. He added that he has remained fully engaged in his real estate, hospitality, farming, and financial securities businesses since leaving public office and has no need to jump from one political party to another simply to remain relevant.
Adelabu noted that he has neither defected nor authorised anyone to defect on his behalf, and that Akande's political activities are his personal decision and have no connection whatsoever with him. He reiterated that he remains firmly in the APC.
The development comes as the APM begins its North-West town hall and unveils its 'Reset Nigeria' agenda, while Adelabu continues to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo under the APC.
Key points
- Adelabu distances self from ex-aide's defection to APM.
- Adelabu remains a member of APC, has no intention of leaving.
- Adelabu seeks transparency, documentation, and legitimacy in Oyo governorship primary elections.
