Former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports alleging that he is planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Allied People’s Movement (APM), insisting that he remains a committed member of the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by his Media Aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, Adelabu described the reports as false and politically motivated, maintaining that neither he nor his Personal Assistant, Mr. Ajiboye Akande, has any intention of leaving the APC.
“The rumour that Chief Adebayo Adelabu is preparing to leave the APC, or that his Personal Assistant, Mr. Ajiboye Akande, has defected to the APM, is nothing but a lie from the pit of hell,” the statement said.
The clarification followed widespread speculation after Akande was seen at a meeting with some members of the APM, prompting claims that the gathering was part of efforts to facilitate the defection of both Akande and Adelabu to the opposition party.
Reacting to the claims, Adelabu’s camp said the meeting had been misrepresented, stressing that “personal visits by former associates cannot be misconstrued as political defection.”
The statement further declared: “Ajiboye Akande has neither joined the APM nor indicated any intention to do so.”
Awogboro explained that although Akande enjoys considerable influence among Adelabu’s supporters, particularly youths, artisans and market women, he remains loyal to his principal and would not take any major political decision without him.
Reaffirming Adelabu’s political allegiance, the media aide said the former minister had no reason to abandon the APC, adding that his governorship ambition should not be interpreted as desperation.
“Chief Adebayo Adelabu remains a loyal member of the APC. He is not a desperate politician, and his governorship aspiration is not a do-or-die affair. His aspiration is simply an opportunity to serve a larger segment of his people after a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors,” the statement added.
Awogboro also argued that calling for fairness, transparency and due process within the APC should not be mistaken for disloyalty or an intention to defect.
He noted that Adelabu had served as Minister of Power under the APC-led administration and previously contested the Oyo State governorship election as the party’s candidate in 2019.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the APC and his political mentor, remains a major influence in his political journey,” the statement said.
The media aide urged members of the public to disregard what he described as “a false, mischievous and politically contrived rumour,” insisting that neither Adelabu nor Akande is considering joining the APM.
