Adelabu Dismisses Defection Rumour, Reaffirms Loyalty To APC

Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports alleging that he plans to defect to the Social Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Adelabu described the claims as false, baseless and politically motivated, insisting that he remains a loyal member of the APC and has no intention of joining another political platform.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Femi Awogboro, who said the former minister neither contemplated nor authorised any move to the SDP or any other party.

The reaction followed comments attributed to the media office of an SDP governorship aspirant, Saheed Oladele, who reportedly warned Adelabu against seeking the party’s governorship ticket.

Oladele was quoted as cautioning Adelabu against allegedly attempting to secure the SDP ticket through indirect means ahead of the next governorship election.

Responding to the allegation, Awogboro said the claims existed only in the imagination of their promoters and lacked any factual basis.

According to him, the APC governorship primary process has not been concluded and no official outcome has been announced, making the reports of a planned defection both premature and misleading.

He argued that linking Adelabu to an imaginary defection agenda was an attempt to attract public attention by exploiting the former minister’s political profile and growing popularity in Oyo State.

Awogboro maintained that Adelabu had already occupied significant public offices and therefore had no reason to engage in what he described as political desperation.

He said the suggestion that the former minister was seeking relevance through a hurried political defection was insulting and demonstrated a poor understanding of political realities within the state.

The aide urged those spreading the rumours to concentrate on promoting their own political ambitions rather than attempting to gain visibility through Adelabu’s name.

He further demanded a retraction and apology from those responsible for the reports, warning that legal action could be pursued if the alleged falsehoods continue.

Awogboro stressed that Adelabu remains focused on his vision for Oyo State, committed to the APC and determined to engage residents on issues affecting their future rather than being distracted by political controversies.