Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has clarified that his former aide, Ajiboye Akande's, decision to defect to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) was personal and should not be linked to him or his political structure. Akande led a group of APC supporters from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State into the APM during a recent event.
Adelabu stated that Akande was no longer his personal assistant and had stopped having any official, political, or representational relationship with him. Their relationship ended after disagreements over their political directions, particularly after Akande chose to pursue a different political path. Adelabu emphasized that Akande neither consulted him before joining the APM nor sought his approval for the political statements made at the rally.
The former minister explained that he remains a member of the APC and has no plan to defect. He reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, describing the President as his political mentor and benefactor. Adelabu's disagreement with the APC is specifically about the process surrounding the party's governorship nomination in Oyo State, not about leaving the party.
Adelabu had contested the APC governorship ticket and subsequently raised concerns over the conduct and documentation of the nomination exercise. He demands that the outcome of the exercise be made available with documents capable of establishing the result. According to him, transparency is necessary to allow members and supporters to accept the outcome of the primary.
The former minister stressed that his continued support for Tinubu is based on more than their personal political relationship. He believes in the importance of due process and properly documented primary elections. Adelabu argued that the same principles should apply to the APC governorship nomination process in Oyo State.
Adelabu rejected suggestions that his disagreement with the primary process automatically places him on the path of joining another political party. He emphasized that his governorship ambition has never been a do-or-die affair and that his interest has always been about the opportunity to serve Oyo.
The former minister has remained fully engaged in his real estate, hospitality, farming, and financial securities businesses since leaving public office. He does not need to jump from one political party to another simply to remain relevant. Adelabu's call for transparency in the primary process is about ensuring that the process is properly documented.
Key points
- Adelabu distances himself from aide's APC defection to APM
- Former minister demands release of Oyo primary results
- Adelabu reaffirms support for President Bola Tinubu
