A rainbow coalition, similar to the one led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appears to be emerging in Oyo State. This development has sparked debate among politicians and loyalists, with some linking it to former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. Adelabu's aide, Ajiboye Sangogade, recently led several APC loyalists into the Allied People's Movement (APM). The APM is a party that inherited the assets and liabilities of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.
On Monday last week, a crowd of young people gathered at the Adamasingba Stadium to witness a mixture of political rally and musical concert. The event, known as the Boye Nation/JAF concert, was organized to welcome new entrants into the APM. Leading the new converts was Ajiboye Sangogade, also known as Boye Nation, a former personal assistant to Adelabu. Although Adelabu was not present, his picture loomed large as Fuji music stars took the microphone to welcome the latest APM members.
Ajiboye Sangogade denied any connection between his decision to join the APM and Adelabu, stating that he was mature enough to make his own decisions. However, APC loyalists who have been watching Adelabu's every move are skeptical about the claim. They argue that it is implausible that Adelabu's aides would join a political arrangement without his endorsement. This skepticism may stem from Adelabu's past decision to defect to the Accord Party in 2023 after losing the APC governorship ticket.
Adelabu's alleged involvement in forming a rainbow coalition has raised questions about his loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu. While Adelabu has professed his loyalty to the president, his silence on the governorship contest has been seen as a way of distancing himself from the governorship candidate. This has led some to speculate that Adelabu may be positioning himself with one foot in each camp.
In response to the speculation, Adelabu publicly distanced himself from his former aide, stating that Ajiboye was no longer his personal assistant and had no official, political, or representational relationship with him. Adelabu claimed that their relationship ended due to irreconcilable differences in their political alignments. He also declared his continued loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu.
Adelabu expressed bitterness over the governorship primaries, questioning the integrity of the primary election that produced Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as the governorship candidate. He demanded evidence that the primary had actually been conducted in the state, including the release of results and relevant signed documents. Adelabu insisted that his ambition to govern Oyo State was "not a do-or-die matter" and that he was not dependent on political office for his livelihood.
The developments in Oyo State's politics have significant implications for the 2027 election. As the state elections approach, Adelabu's actions will be closely watched by his loyalists and opponents alike. The former minister's governorship ambition and alleged involvement in forming a rainbow coalition have added a new layer of complexity to the state's political landscape.
Key points
- Adebayo Adelabu's alleged involvement in forming a rainbow coalition in Oyo State has sparked debate among politicians and loyalists.
- Adelabu's silence on the governorship contest has been seen as a way of distancing himself from the governorship candidate.
- The former minister has continued to profess his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu despite speculation about his involvement in a rainbow coalition.
